Tiger Woods Foundation

The STEM Academy at the Tiger Woods Learning Center is an exceptional experience. Our innovative approach emphasizes hands-on experiments, goal setting, career exploration and positive youth development. All STEM Academy members will receive 18 hours of STEM learning along with three enrichment workshops for the week. Members select a desired major from the four subjects listed below:

STEM Majors

Comparative Zoology: Dive into the Animal Kingdom and explore the psychology and physiology of bugs, reptiles, amphibians and mammals at a molecular and anatomical level. In this intensive biology class, you will investigate the digestive, cardiovascular, circulatory and excretory systems of animals while identifying the physiological differences of each species. Explore first-hand the exciting life of an expert biologist through hands-on experiments that include the dissection of various creatures.

Resourceful Robotics: Learn cutting-edge robotics engineering techniques by building and programming four different robots that can be operated independently or in competition with another robot. You will learn to program with electronic circuit schematics, block diagrams, infrared rays, photo diodes, sensors, gear drives and more. Experiment with mechanical design and explore renewable energy sources to create the most efficient robots. Become proficient in LabVIEW G programming language, which is used by engineers and scientists today. This program uses intuitive graphical icons and wires that resemble a flowchart.

Velocity Vehicles: There's more to a vehicle than meets the eye. In this class, you will put your engineering skills to the test by designing and constructing a variety of vehicles powered by the sun, air, magnets and an ordinary mousetrap. Learn how potential energy converts into kinetic energy to accelerate your vehicles. Take your mechanical engineering skills to the next level by applying tension, friction, torque, inertia, and Newton's Law. After you build your velocity racers, take them home to share with family and friends.

Video Game Design: Develop your very own video game using Clickteam Multimedia Fusion 2 Developer. In this class, you will learn basic programming logic to create special power-ups, unique character abilities and challenging levels. Customize 2D graphics in your game and learn tools in Adobe Photoshop to enhance images and text. Best of all, you'll be able to take your game home with you to amaze your family and friends.

Enrichment Classes

Digital Photography & Photoshop: Interested in expressing your creative side? This three hour workshop will introduce you to the world of digital graphic design using Adobe Photoshop. With a picture taken from a D-SLR camera, you will learn how to enhance and create effects using the powerful tools provided in this software. These basic tools will open up a whole new world of photo-editing fun.

Rocketry: Transform an empty plastic bottle into a high-flying rocket using scientific principles such as Newton's Law, acceleration, thrust and inertia. You'll participate in an actual rocket launch and competition to see whose design flies the highest.

Alternative Energy: Build a solar station and a wind turbine while learning about renewable energy sources and how these devices can capture electrical energy. This workshop will explore options for renewing energy and challenge you to make green choices. Start thinking green.

Comparative Marine Life: Ever wonder how a fish breathes underwater? Or how giant squid swims? Answer these and other questions as you take a closer look at marine life. Come learn about the amazing creatures of the sea as you make your first incisions into the anatomy of these aquatic animals.

Beginning Golf: This workshop can give you the skills and know-how needed to become comfortable with the game of golf. You will learn all the basics: putting, chipping, pitching and driving, at a world class instructional facility designed by Tom Fazio. Using the best in Nike equipment, our teaching professionals will cover posture, alignment and controlling ball distance.

The Golf Academy at the Tiger Woods Learning Center provides the beginning golfer with a world-class golf experience. Taught by full-time Tiger Woods Learning Center golf instructors and PGA teaching professionals, the Golf Academy will teach you the basics crucial to the success of professionals like Tiger Woods: grip, stance, posture, alignment and controlling ball distance. Like Tiger, our instructors believe there are thousands of ways to swing a club, but the best golfers must first master the basics. Our instructors specialize in working with thousands of young golfers each year.

Our teaching professionals assess your posture and grip within seconds and work with you to make changes and improvements along the way. Our unique approach provides you with the tools needed to talk, act and play like a champion in addition to the skills of putting, chipping, pitching, sand play and driving a golf ball.

Adding to the Tiger Woods Learning Center experience is our exceptional practice facility. Designed by legendary international architect Tom Fazio, our 14-acre driving range, target greens and 18-hole putting course provide a truly one-of-a-kind learning environment. You will also utilize the best in Nike Golf equipment and digital video swing analysis during your time at the Golf Academy.

Enrichment Workshops

Golf Fitness: Learn the importance of developing a physical-conditioning routine to enhance your game. Physical conditioning improves aspects of the body that can affect performance. Learn stretching techniques and exercises to increase flexibility and range of motion for better performance, on and off the course.

Video Swing Analysis: Further improve your game by analyzing your personal swing digitally. The Golf Academy uses the latest swing analysis software to help you understand your own personal swing plane and spine angle and compare your golf swing to the pros.

Clubmaking Workshop: In this Golf Academy workshop, you will learn how to build and craft a golf club. Using professional techniques in math and science, you will explore how loft affects ball flight to make your own club. Best of all, your personally designed club becomes yours to keep.

Disneyland Excursion: Your week at the Tiger Woods Learning Center Summer Academy also includes an all-day trip to Disneyland. In addition to enjoying the wonders of this landmark theme park, this day trip includes a hands-on, three-hour Disney's World of Physics workshop. During this unique experience, you'll explore the physics behind high-speed roller coasters such as California Screamin' or get an up-close look into how the energy of light and sound come together through It's Tough to Be a Bug 3D and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ attractions.

Friday Family and Community Showcase: We cordially invite family and friends to our Family and Community Showcase from 3-4 p.m. on Friday. Guests can tour the facility and classrooms, meet staff and view student projects. This is an opportunity for participants to showcase what they learned during their time at the TWLC.