- About
- Recipients
- Featured Scholars
- Alumni
Funding tuition is just one of the many hurdles facing first-generation college students. Many are leaving home for the first time, attempting to juggle work and college classes while scraping together enough money for books and other supplies. At the Tiger Woods Foundation, nearly 90% of our scholars are first-generation college students, navigating through college on their own. The Earl Woods Scholarship Program (EWSP) is an incredible support network that includes admissions counseling, dedicated mentors, specialized internships, financial assistance and workshops for each scholar accepted into the program. In the first two years of college, dropout rates are generally the highest, yet 100% of our scholars continue past their second year and to date, 100% reach graduation day. This special community of scholars, who maintain an average GPA of 3.07, work together to succeed in college life at prestigious universities such as Georgetown, USC, UC Berkeley, UCLA and Harvard. It's never too early to start thinking about college, which is why the EWSP also offers families and students in grades 7-12 college-preparation workshops through the Tiger Woods Learning Centers and other community partnerships.

| Recipient | College | Major |
|---|---|---|
| Erika Adre | UC Berkeley | Chemistry |
| Karla Aguilar | UC Berkeley | Electrical Engineering |
| Marlyn Aguilar | UC Irvine | Communications & Journalism |
| Milinda Ajawara* | Hamilton | Biochemistry |
| Sharon Almonte | Lewis & Clark | Undeclared |
| Melissa Arambulo | UC Berkeley | Environmental Architecture |
| Vernoica Arellano | UC Santa Barbara | Pre-Biology |
| Bhumi Bhakta | UCLA | Biochemistry |
| Alemar Brito* | Stanford | Sociology |
| Trent Casillas | Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | Civil Engineering |
| Trang Che | UC Irvine | Biology |
| Aisha Cissna* | Humboldt State | Environmental Policy |
| Taylor Compton | Harvard | Neurobiology |
| Stephanie Estrada | Chapman | Undeclared |
| Fadi Farsakh* | UC Berkeley | Undeclared |
| Karina Gomez* | Haverford | Biochemistry |
| Raymundo Gutierrez* | NYU | Music Education |
| Gustavo Lopez | Reed | Biology |
| Grisell Medina | Chapman | Psychology |
| Ladyssara Medina | Chapman | Biochemistry |
| Eduardo Munoz | Allegheny | Biology |
| Marcos Munoz | UCLA | Microbiology |
| Iliana Navarro* | Haverford | Political Science/Spanish |
| Kevin Ngo | UC San Diego | Computer Science |
| Minh Nguyen* | UCLA | Biology |
| Tim Nguyen* | UCLA | Biology |
| Kevin Nguyen | USC | Computer Engineering |
| Ngoc Nguyen | UC San Diego | Aerospace Engineering |
| Nhung Nguyen | UCLA | Biochemistry/Pre-med |
| Katrina Obieta | Bryn Mawr | Biology |
| Johanna Otico | Whitman | Psychology |
| Judy Park | Harvard | Social Studies |
| Hector Pantoja | Whittier | Business Administration & Economics |
| Eduardo Rivas | Lewis & Clark | Psychology & Hispanic Studies |
| Jessica Rodriguez | Chapman | Psychology |
| Karen Romero* | Occidental | Political Science |
| Felipe Sepulveda* | Harvard | History |
| Rogelio Tec* | UC Santa Barbara | Art History |
| Kristy Thompson | Pepperdine | Business Administration |
| Nhat Tong | UCLA | Business Economics |
| Wendy Torres | UC Berkeley | English |
| Tiffany Truong | Franklin & Marshall | Chemistry |
| Timothy Vu | UCLA | Biology |
Students with an (*) are new scholars.
| Recipient | College | Major |
|---|---|---|
| Sitra Abdus-Salaam* | VCU | Psychology |
| Yury Amaya | Georgetown | Psychology & Government |
| Adrian Arias | La Sierra | Criminal Justice & Political Science |
| Jonathan Bowie | Tufts | Political Science & International Relations |
| Ayanna Brooks | Marymount | Communication Arts |
| Luz Flores | Mount Holyoke | International Relations |
| Mariah Green* | Temple | Biology |
| Mariah Harrod | Penn State | Pscyhology |
| Jorge Hernandez | UDC | Psychology |
| Damion Hunt | Florida A&M | Political Science |
| Xuan Trang Le* | Wisconsin | International Business |
| Jaron McKinnon* | DePauw | Psychology |
| Yaffet Menna | Georgetown | Neurobiology |
| Tamika Mitchell | Arizona | Pre-Physiology |
| Stephanie Navarrete | Syracuse | Health & Exercise Science |
| Darion Parker | Georgetown | History |
| Darryl Robinson | Georgetown | Biology |
| Gloria Salimonica | Georgetown | Human Science |
| Sarah-Julie Tchokouani* | Ohio State | Undeclared |
| Omokuyani Udiani* | NC State | Chemical Engineering |
| Montel Yancy | Tufts | Veterinary Medicine |
| Hebing Zhou | Georgetown | Chemistry |
Students with an (*) are new scholars.
Earl Woods Scholars Class of 2016
Meet our newest class of Earl Woods Scholars!![]() |
Aisha CissnaHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Savanna High School College: Humboldt State University Major: Environmental Policy Career Goal: Volunteer for Teach for America or Peace Corps Fun Fact: Started a community club at her high school |
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Fadi FarsakhHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Western High School College: University of California, Berkeley Major: Undeclared Career Goal: Dentist or Optometrist Fun Fact: Participated in Seed of Peace International |
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Karina GomezHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Anaheim High School College: Haverford College Major: Biochemistry Career Goal: Travel to third-world nations to help people in need Fun Fact: Her mom is the most influential person in her life |
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Tim NguyenHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Savanna High School College: University of California, Los Angeles Major: Biology Career Goal: Cardiologist Fun Fact: Plays the guitar, drums, piano, bass and ukulele |
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Karen RomeroHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Magnolia High School College: Occidental College Major: Political Science Fun Fact: Enjoys dancing traditional Mexican dance folklorico |
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Sarah-Julie TchokouaniHometown: New Carrollton, MDHigh School: Fairmont Heights High School College: Ohio State University Major: Undeclared Career Goal: Corporate Lawyer Fun Fact: Loves helping the homeless by volunteering at the local food kitchen |
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Rogelio TecHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Western High School College: University of California, Santa Barbara Major: Art History Career Goal: Architect Fun Fact: Loves art, dancing and drawing |
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Sitra Abdus-SalaamHometown: Washington, D.C.High School: Cesar Chavez -- Parkside Campus College: Virginia Commonwealth University Major: Psychology Career Goal: Psychiatrist Fun Fact: Junior and senior class president of her school |
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Milinda AjawaraHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Katella High School College: Hamilton College Major: Biochemistry Career Goal: Physician Fun Fact: Family immigrated from Nigeria |
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Mariah GreenHometown: Washington, D.C.High School: Cesar Chavez -- Capitol Hill Campus College: Temple University Major: Biology Career Goal: Doctor Fun Fact: Passionate about helping others |
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Raymundo GutierrezHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Anaheim High School College: New York University Major: Music Education Career Goal: Band Director Fun Fact: Likes to listen to soundtrack music |
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Xuan Trang LeHometown: Washington, D.C.High School: Benjamin Banneker High School College: University of Wisconsin - Madison Major: International Business Career Goal: Business Owner Fun Fact: Wants to create educational facilities in impoverished areas |
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Jaron McKinnonHometown: Fort Meade, MDHigh School: Meade Senior High School College: DePauw University Major: Psychology Fun Fact: Mentor for the Boys and Girls Club's Summer Poetry Program |
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Iliana NavarroHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Katella High School College: Haverford College Major: Political Science/Spanish Career Goal: Lawyer Fun Fact: Likes to draw and read in her spare time |
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Minh NguyenHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Savanna High School College: University of California, Los Angeles Major: Biology Fun Fact: Would like to go on a cross-country road trip |
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Felipe SepulvedaHometown: Anaheim, CAHigh School: Magnolia High School College: Harvard University Major: History Fun Fact: Enjoys reading, playing cards and spending time with family |
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Omokuyani UdianiHometown: Upper Marlboro, MDHigh School: Suitland High School College: North Carolina State University Major: Chemical Engineering Career Goal: Chemical engineer Fun Fact: Substitute taught for a high school photography class |

Susana LagardeCSU FullertonCommunicationsPrestigious photography award-winnerMy whole life I told myself I was going to go to college. But halfway through my senior year, when I started getting accepted into colleges, I didn't know if I could actually go anymore because I didn't know where the money was going to come from. And then one day, I got home and received a letter from the Tiger Woods Foundation telling me I received the Earl Woods Scholarship. That was the day I knew I was going to college. It was a big relief. |
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Jenny NguyenUCLABA in American literature and cultureBlogger for official PGA TOUR golf tournamentsWhat I have found most meaningful about the Earl Woods Scholarship program are all the great people I've met along the way. The program and the people never cease to amaze me. They understand what we scholars are trying to do, and their belief in us makes a whole world of difference. A little bit of confidence can go a long way, but what this program has given me is so much more! |
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Evan ChangOccidental CollegeBiochemistryNo. 1 in the biology department and graduating with honorsMy mentor has been an integral part of my development throughout my years in college. I'm thankful to have a professional look after me and make sure I've been on the right track. Through my mentor, I was introduced to a general surgeon at Hoag Hospital that I shadowed over winter break, which gave me the confirmation that I do in fact want to be a surgeon. I am so grateful for that experience. |
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Steven PhamUCLABiochemistryPresident of Medical, Educational Missions and Outreach (MEMO) at UCLA, UCI and UCSDMy mentor Andy and I clicked instantaneously! He has been my friend, my mentor and one of the greatest people I've ever known. His words about promoting education and helping those less fortunate inspired me to join a medical mission trip to Vietnam where I learned lessons of humility and how to be grateful for the small treasures of life. His passion for helping others and the knowledge of how to run an organization has taught me how to run MEMO as best I can. |
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Vina VoUSCBusiness AdministrationTraveled to Ghana to set up village's first community development bankWithout the Earl Woods Scholarship, I would not have the same insight, experiences or perspectives that I do about college, education and my impact in society. I wouldn't have had the support and guidance I needed in the times I needed them the most and for that reason, I am really thankful to be a part of the foundation. The mentorship and relationships I've built have been extremely valuable to me. |
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Grace LeeUC BerekeleyElectrical Engineering & Computer ScienceAccepted a full-time job with NASA for post-graduationThe benefit of being a scholar was meeting so many fantastic people who are supportive of me through my four years of college and even after I graduate. The Earl Woods Scholarship helped me graduate, which was always a huge obstacle for me in terms of funding. The TWF staff helped me prepare for an interview with Pixar where I landed a memorable summer internship. Then when I got the job at NASA, they helped me with negotiation and discerning whether this job was right for me. I am very privileged to have had an army of people supporting me throughout college. |
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Vladimir CasseusCollege of the Holy CrossPsychologyMember of an all-male a cappella group called The Sound of St. JamesThe best thing about being an Earl Woods Scholar is the support that you get. You never feel like you are alone, and there are always people who are checking up on you. I have become more motivated, focused and happier knowing that I have so many people to fall back on when I'm stressed or times get tough. My future plans became more solidified and less blurry since joining the Earl Woods Scholarship program. It feels great to have a good plan set in place and direction of where I want to go. |
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Fatou BekeyiUniversity of IdahoEnvironmental ScienceInterned at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, D.C.As an Earl Woods Scholar, my biggest accomplishment has been to intern at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, D.C. The Tiger Woods Foundation blessed me with this chance to work with EPA staff members and to understand what it feels like to work on real projects, like evaluating mercury spills. As an Earl Woods Scholar, opportunities keep arising, and I consider every one of them a gift. This program has helped me achieve my dreams. |
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Avni PatelUCLABS in BiochemistryMy goal is to impact children at the professional level by implementing programs for youth development. Using these programs, I wish to help children reach their full potential to achieve their goals. |
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Bianca AngelesUC BerkeleyBA in PsychologyI plan on obtaining a master's in student affairs in the future. This degree will help me advance my plans of working with students in a university setting where I can continue to pursue my passion for education. |
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Omar VillaUCSCBA in Latin American & Latino StudiesI will be applying to different master's programs and law schools this upcoming fall. I hope to attend a private institution where I will complete a joint degree program and get my master's in higher education and a degree in law. |
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Stephanie ChaeUC San DiegoBS in General BiologyMy career goal is to become a doctor, and my passion is to serve under-represented populations through medical missions. I have a vision as a medical doctor to provide ways for these communities to have doctors of their own. I hope to mobilize clinics and provide training and sustainable health care. This fall, I will begin my medical studies abroad as first-year medical student in the China Dual Program. |
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