We believe that positive youth development and quality education go hand in hand. Which is why since 2006, the TGR Learning Lab has strived to not only offer students unique learning experiences in STEM and enrichment programs in college access, but also serve as an environment where kids can recognize their potential and create positive change for themselves, their families and their communities. SCHOOL DAY At the TGR Learning Lab, we’ve completely transformed the average school day. Each week, our 35,000-square-foot learning lab opens its doors to fifth graders and their classroom teachers from across Southern California. What awaits students and teachers both is an exciting week of immersive, hands-on STEM learning. Whether students participate in our Forensic Science or Marine Science classes, one thing is certain—we don’t teach from a textbook. Our award-winning program with lessons designed in-house by our team of dynamic learning facilitators, encourages students to learn through interaction and engagement. Within the Forensic Science class, our junior crime solvers learn real-world techniques, including fingerprinting, DNA analysis and chromatography. The budding biologists enrolled in our Marine Science class take a deep dive to the bottom of the sea to explore oceanic regions, get their hands dirty with a squid dissection, analyze sand samples and learn about marine-life classifications. But it’s not just the students who receive a week of experiential learning—their classroom teachers also benefit from our unique STEM professional development program.This week-long training equips teachers with a new arsenal of standards-aligned, grade-specific STEM lessons that can be implemented in their own classrooms. EXPANDED LEARNING Implementing two key strategies, the TGR Learning Lab offers expanded learning programs to unleash the full capacity of underserved middle and high school students. First, we strive to foster a growth mindset within every student that walks through our doors. Our top priority is to build strong relationships with our kids, encouraging them to challenge themselves and build self-confidence. It is our philosophy that the path to greatness begins when students believe in their own ability to succeed. Second, we connect school and career, preparing students for today’s jobs and the ones that don’t exist yet. With over 50 areas of study within STEM-related fields, our classes offer students hands-on learning experiences, allowing them to recognize their potential and identify their interests with a future career in mind. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and project-based learning, students take classes in a variety of disciplines, including: video game design, coding, rocketry, robotics, civil engineering, urban planning and wearable electronics. To help students gain information on post-secondary educational options, we provide over 30 college-access and financial aid workshops annually. By offering students experiences that far surpass what is offered in a traditional classroom setting, we strive to provide them with tools for success while cultivating their aspirations for higher education and a career. Our expanded learning opportunities span across the nation, with satellite programs in Washington, D.C., South Florida, Philadelphia, New York, MCB Quantico and our flagship location in Southern California. Our after-school programs are open to students throughout Southern California, Monday–Thursday from 2–6 p.m. Additionally, acceptance is based on student report card and personal statement. Click here to download the TGR Learning Lab 2019 SPRING Application Application Deadline: March 8, 2019
| Types | Organization |
| Start date | 2006 |