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Tag: STEAM

  • Tiger Woods Opens STEAM Lab in Philadelphia

    Golf legend Tiger Woods is teeing up a new initiative for education in Philadelphia! On September 8, 2025, he celebrated the grand opening of the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab, a significant addition to the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course.

    A Hub for Young Minds

    This isn’t just about golf, though. The 30,000-square-foot facility is the result of a powerful collaboration between the TGR Foundation, the Cobbs Creek Foundation, and the Smilow Foundation. Its mission? To provide students from first grade all the way through twelfth grade with free, year-round access to exciting programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

    Beyond STEAM, the lab is also dedicated to college preparation and career readiness, equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future. Tiger Woods, who co-founded the TGR Foundation back in 1996 with his parents, shared that the ultimate goal is to “produce the greatest humans possible.”

    More Than Just a Building

    Christopher Maguire, chairman of the Cobbs Creek Foundation, emphasized the lab’s community impact, stating, “This isn’t just a building, it’s a place in this neighborhood where kids can learn, thrive, and grow.” The TGR Foundation has invested over $4 million into this project, which is projected to serve an impressive 4,500 students annually.

    A Legacy of Support

    This Philadelphia location marks the second TGR Learning Lab, following the flagship center in Anaheim, California, which opened in 2006 and has since supported over 200,000 students. The Smilow Foundation’s significant support, as highlighted by CEO Bill Smilow, aims to “spark a passion for knowledge and transform lives.”

    Students who attended over the summer called it ‘nothing short of lifesaving’ and praised it as a space where they feel ‘seen, heard, and empowered.’ — Philadelphia Business Journal

    The ribbon-cutting ceremony itself was a significant event, featuring speeches from notable figures like Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle Parker, underscoring the importance of this educational initiative. The broader Cobbs Creek Golf Course renovation also includes exciting plans for a TGR Design short course, a driving range, and more, set to open in fall 2025.

    Honoring a Pioneer

    The Cobbs Creek Golf Course itself has a rich history, opening in 1916 and being one of the first courses in the area to welcome golfers of all races. It was also the home course of Charlie Sifford, the first Black golfer to achieve a PGA Tour card. Tiger Woods, who considers Sifford a mentor figure and even named his son Charlie in his honor, continues to build on this legacy of inclusivity and opportunity.

    What do you think about Tiger Woods’ commitment to education through the TGR Learning Lab? Let us know in the comments!

  • Shadeira Nesmith Empowers Youth in STEAM

    Imagine a world where every young person, regardless of their background, has the chance to dive into the exciting realms of coding, design, and financial literacy. That’s exactly the vision driving Shadeira Nesmith, a passionate software development instructor and proud Caldwell University alumna. Since 2018, she’s been a guiding force at places like the Library Science Center, Black Girls Code, and Coding Black Females, shaping young minds.

    From Challenges to Purpose-Driven Leadership

    Shadeira’s own journey as a Black woman in tech hasn’t been without its hurdles. She often found herself as one of the few people of color in the room. This experience, however, fueled her determination to not only grow but to lead with a clear sense of purpose. She’s witnessed firsthand the eagerness of students to learn from her and the spark of possibility that ignites when they see what they can achieve.

    This realization profoundly shaped her approach to education. “Being a tech educator has shown me how eager people are to learn from me and how excited they are to see what’s possible for themselves. This has changed how I lead and create,” Nesmith shared. It’s this insight that led her to establish Stacked Up Academy in 2021.

    Stacked Up Academy: Building Futures

    Stacked Up Academy is on a mission to ignite K-12 interest in computer science, graphic design, and financial literacy. Through thoughtfully crafted curricula, engaging workshops, and innovative educational products, the academy aims to significantly increase participation from underserved communities in STEAM fields. The goal? To foster early exposure that paves the way for success in higher education and future careers.

    StackCon: A Conference for Young Innovators

    The academy’s commitment to hands-on learning was evident at StackCon, a dynamic two-day conference held in Jersey City, NJ, on August 8-9. Designed for youth ages 8 to 15, the event featured over 10 workshops led by seven instructors. Attendees explored a wide array of topics, including tech and coding, graphic design, financial literacy, music and AI, cyber safety, gaming, and LEGO engineering.

    Nesmith’s teaching philosophy is all about creating an inclusive and inspiring environment. “I see myself as someone who makes space, especially for young people, to step into tech with confidence. I want my students, no matter their age, to know that learning is not only accessible but also enjoyable,” she told AFROTECH™. Her approach emphasizes an open mind, nurturing curiosity, and helping learners connect knowledge to their own lives.

    Empowerment Through Education

    What truly drives Nesmith is the belief that education is more than just skill-building; it’s about expanding horizons and showing young people what’s truly possible. “What has shaped my path most is the belief that education is not just about building skills but also about expanding what people believe is possible, by showing kids that they can bring their ideas to life whether that be through coding, design, or entrepreneurship,” she explained. Her leadership is firmly rooted in empowerment and making a tangible impact.

    Shadeira at AFROTECH™ Conference

    You’ll have the chance to hear more from Shadeira Nesmith at the upcoming AFROTECH™ Conference! Returning to Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center from October 27-31, the event promises to be a hub for innovation, featuring leaders like Nesmith. “For me, AFROTECH™ is all about growth and impact. I consider myself a lifelong student, so I’m always eager to learn and share knowledge…That transformation where learning something and using it to create real change is what makes AFROTECH™ so good, and why I’m honored to be part of it,” she shared.

    Are you inspired by Shadeira Nesmith’s work? What are your thoughts on increasing youth representation in STEAM fields? Share your insights in the comments below!

  • Brown Toy Box Opens Atlanta Store, Champions STEAM

    Get ready, Atlanta! The Brown Toy Box, a brand dedicated to making STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education accessible and exciting for children, has officially opened its flagship store in the heart of the city.

    Founded by Terri-Nichelle Bradley, The Brown Toy Box is more than just a retail space; it’s a community hub designed to inspire young minds. Located at 61 Forsyth St. NW, the new store offers families a place to purchase engaging products and interact with them firsthand.

    A Decade of Dedication to STEAM

    Bradley’s journey began a decade ago as a home-based project, assembling subscription packages of educational books, games, and toys with her children. Her unwavering focus and dedication have transformed The Brown Toy Box into a nationally recognized brand, with products available at major retailers like Walmart.

    The new Atlanta location is set to host “STEAM Saturdays,” offering workshops that immerse children in exciting, hands-on STEAM-centered activities. Bradley’s core mission is to ensure that these vital educational experiences are accessible to all children and their parents.

    Beyond Retail: Community and Inclusion

    Bradley’s commitment extends beyond retail through the Brown Toy Box Foundation. This foundation provides free and subsidized STEAM kits to underserved communities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to feel seen, supported, and inspired.

    Furthermore, The Brown Toy Box is taking its mission nationwide with the inaugural STEAM Bowl. This event, which took place in New Orleans in February 2025, featured over 20 activations, a family tailgate, health screenings, and even an appearance by New Orleans Saints player Spencer Rattler, all aimed at inspiring children to envision themselves in STEAM careers.

    Impacting Future Generations

    Since 2015, Terri-Nichelle Bradley has been driven by a vision to help Black children flourish. With the opening of the Atlanta store and the continued expansion of her initiatives, The Brown Toy Box is poised to make a significant and lasting impact on educational access for years to come.

    Are you in Atlanta? Have you visited The Brown Toy Box yet? What are your favorite STEAM activities for kids? Share your thoughts in the comments below!