July 26, 2018
USADF and TGR Foundation – A Tiger Woods Charity, Partner to Support African STEM Education Entrepreneurs
July 24, 2018 – The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), the U.S. Government’s African enterprise agency, and TGR Foundation – A Tiger Woods Charity, announced today a joint venture to support African education entrepreneurs.
Working together in support of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, USADF has sponsored three promising educational entrepreneurs to take part in TGR Foundation’s 10-day long educator professional development program, TGR EDU: Create’s International STEM Studio, this summer. In partnering with USADF, TGR Foundation is able to expand their education training platform throughout Africa.
“In a time where careers in STEM are growing rapidly both nationally and internationally, it is important that we educate young people on the skills necessary for them to achieve future success. We are proud to be partnering with USADF as we expand our reach to the African continent and equip educators worldwide with the instructional resources necessary to level the educational playing field,” said Dr. Katherine Bihr, Vice President of Programs and Education at TGR Foundation. “Both TGR Foundation and USADF are committed to supporting educators who can create change in their communities.”
Since 2014, USADF has provided more than 200 young social entrepreneurs with seed capital to start or expand social enterprises in over 30 countries in Africa. Working to grow economies and increase critical thinking through education, three of these entrepreneurs, Regina Agyare Honu, founder of Soronko Academy in Ghana; Mmabatho Mokiti, founder and CEO of Mathemaniacs in South Africa; and Kathryn Garden, the Curriculum and Assessment Lead of SPARK Schools in South Africa, are attending the International STEM Studio program hosted by TGR Foundation from July 16-27 in Anaheim, CA. Each of the entrepreneurs run organizations committed to primary and secondary school level STEM education.
This summer, TGR EDU: Create’s International STEM Studio program welcomed 16 educators from 11 different countries, who have come together to learn how to make their classrooms active, student-centered environments. Immersed in innovative lesson designs and hands-on, project-based learning activities, educators return to their home countries with an action plan to ensure they can apply what they learn at International STEM Studio at their own school.
“USADF is deeply committed to supporting Africa’s best and brightest entrepreneurs, especially those who champion truly transformative education programs,” says C.D. Glin, President & CEO of USADF. “It is through young leaders such as Regina Agyare Honu or Mmabatho Mokiti we are able to reach vulnerable African communities, improve educational standards, and transform livelihoods. By partnering with TGR Foundation, we can strengthen these enterprises by sharpening skills and providing the tools and resources to improve STEM education across the African continent.”
About TGR Foundation, A Tiger Woods Charity
For over 20 years, TGR Foundation has been unwavering advocates for the transformative power of education. We have a universal vision: giving students in need the right resources for lifelong success in school, their communities and the working world. We are pioneers in positive youth development, encouraging self-advocacy skills in young people. We foster a growth mindset, instilling in students the power to persevere and define their own path. Through our award-winning STEM curricula, college-access programs, digital platforms and educator professional development, TGR Foundation offers underrepresented students the tools and support needed to thrive in school and beyond. Learn more at www.tgrfoundation.org
About the U.S. African Development Foundation
The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is an independent U.S. Government agency established by Congress to support African-owned community and social enterprises which improve lives and livelihoods in underserved communities. Utilizing a community-led development approach, USADF invests directly to provide seed capital and local project management assistance to early stage enterprises addressing local challenges such as food security, energy access and women and youth. Annually, our grant assistance for enterprise development and expansion generates approximately $100 million dollars in new local economic activity throughout Africa’s Sahel, Horn and Great Lakes Regions, reducing poverty, creating peace and economic stability, and putting millions on a pathway to prosperity. Learn more at www.usadf.gov.
To download official press release, click here.