TGR Foundation names 20th Earl Woods Scholars class

TGR Foundation selected 22 students for its 20th Earl Woods Scholar cohort, expanding the program into Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia. The class brings the scholarship program to 96 students nationwide as the foundation marks 20 years of the initiative and points to a 98% alumni graduation rate.

Why it matters: - The Earl Woods Scholar Program is a long-running college access pipeline for students with strong academics, financial need and a record of community service. - The new cohort expands the program into two new Georgia regions, widening TGR Foundation’s reach as it celebrates 20 years of the scholarship initiative. - The program now serves 96 scholars attending colleges and universities across the country. - The program reports a 98% graduation rate among alumni to date.

What happened: - TGR Foundation announced its 20th class of Earl Woods Scholars on July 15, 2026. - The class includes 22 students selected from 984 applicants. - Teachers and school counselors referred the applicants. - A committee of volunteers and TGR Foundation staff made the final selections. - The incoming scholars will attend colleges and universities across the country as first-year students. - The new class includes inaugural cohorts from Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia.

The details: - Earl Woods Scholar Program launched in 2006 to honor Earl Woods, Tiger Woods’ father and mentor. - Scholars receive a renewable scholarship. - The program also provides one-to-one professional mentorship. - Ongoing support includes peer-to-peer mentorship, personal and professional development workshops, internship placement assistance and wraparound services. - Selected students represent seven regions: Orange County, California; Los Angeles; New York; Philadelphia; the DMV; Atlanta; and Augusta. - Several scholars in the class have already participated in TGR Learning Labs and college access programs. - TGR Foundation said that experience shows a pipeline of support that helps students prepare for high school, college and beyond. - The Atlanta scholars are Keva Jackson, University of Virginia; Billy Manuel, Bard College; and Gabriel Olagbegi, Georgia Institute of Technology. - The Augusta scholars are Kaesha Ford, Augusta University; and Kaleyah Turmon, Howard University. - The DMV scholars are Rediet Moges, University of Pennsylvania; and Skyler Xue, Yale University. - The Los Angeles scholars are Austin Cruz, Dartmouth College; Jasmin Cuellar, University of California, Irvine; Daniel Jammal, Dartmouth College; and Nathalie Nunez, Pomona College. - The New York cohort, listed as the Liberty National Foundation Cohort, includes Shahrazad Kaied, New York University; and Marcela Melchor, Union College. - The Orange County cohort includes Daniela Agredano, University of California, Berkeley; Genesis Hanmann, California State University, Long Beach; Leena Hong, University of California, Los Angeles; Luis Angel Olivarez, California Polytechnic University, Pomona; and Diego Ponce, Chapman University. - The Philadelphia cohort includes Brianna Koroma, La Salle University; Khandakar Mahin, Harvard University; Jordyn McGriff-LaDuna, Spelman College; and Kalebe Mukama, Drexel University.

Between the lines: - The addition of Atlanta and Augusta suggests TGR Foundation is broadening recruitment beyond its established hubs. - The strong alumni graduation rate and the layered support model are central to the program’s pitch: scholarship money alone is paired with mentorship and college persistence support. - The reference to students coming through TGR Learning Labs and college access programs signals that the foundation is building an early-to-college pathway, not just a one-time award.

What's next: - The scholars will begin their freshman year this fall at colleges and universities across the country. - TGR Foundation will continue providing mentorship, workshops, internship help and wraparound support throughout college. - The foundation is also marking its 30th year in 2026 and says it has served more than 217,000 students through its learning labs and education programs.

The bottom line: - TGR Foundation is using its 20th scholar cohort to expand geographically while reinforcing a model built on scholarships, mentorship and long-term student support.