Jersey City, New Jersey — July 30, 2026 — TGR Foundation and Liberty National Foundation have expanded the impact of their scholarship partnership with the selection of two additional students for the Liberty National Foundation cohort of the Earl Woods Scholar Program.
The two newest scholars, Shahrazad Kaied (New York University) and Marcela Melchor (Union College), are members of the Earl Woods Scholar Class of 2030. They join five students selected in 2025, bringing the number of students from the New York New Jersey region supported through the partnership to seven.
The five members of the inaugural Liberty National Foundation cohort, who began college in fall 2025, are:
- Anusha Alam, University of Southern California
- Mohammad Ali, City College of New York
- Jessica Gyamfi, Wesleyan University
- Samuel Paing, Middlebury College
- Fatoumata Sow, Bowdoin College
Liberty National Foundation established the cohort through a $1.2 million endowed gift to TGR Foundation. The endowment will support future Earl Woods Scholars from New York and New Jersey in perpetuity.
“We are proud to see the Liberty National Foundation cohort continue to grow,” said Dan Fireman, executive chairman of Liberty National Foundation and co-founder of Liberty National Golf Club. “These students have worked incredibly hard to reach this point. Our goal is to support them, mentor them and help open doors as they build their futures.”
As part of its commitment to empowering future leaders, Liberty National Foundation hosted TGR Foundation’s Mentorship Training and Summer Social on July 26 at Liberty National Golf Club. The day-long event brought together current Earl Woods Scholars, program alumni and mentors to share experiences, build relationships and strengthen the support network surrounding the scholars.
“A scholarship is an important step toward a student’s future, and long-term success is strengthened by having people who can offer guidance, perspective and opportunity,” Fireman said. “Events like this help scholars build meaningful connections they can carry with them through college and into their careers.”
The Earl Woods Scholar Program welcomed its 20th class in 2026 and currently serves 96 scholars attending colleges and universities across the country. Program alumni have achieved a 98% graduation rate.
Established in 2006, the program honors the vision and spirit of Earl Woods, Tiger Woods’ father and mentor. Scholars are selected based on academic achievement, financial need and a demonstrated commitment to serving their communities.
In addition to a renewable college scholarship, students receive one-to-one professional mentorship, peer support, personal and professional development workshops, internship placement assistance and career counseling.
About Liberty National Foundation
Established in 2024 by Liberty National Golf Club co-founders Paul and Dan Fireman, alongside a group of like-minded club members, the Liberty National Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to supporting youth, Veterans, First Responders, and community initiatives.
Rooted in Liberty National’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy, the Foundation supports charitable organizations and programs that expand opportunity, improve lives, and strengthen communities on and off the course. At the heart of the Foundation is the Torch Lighters Club, a group of philanthropic leaders helping to advance the Foundation's mission and "shine the light" on organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. For more information visit libertynationalfoundation.org or connect on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
About TGR Foundation
TGR Foundation is a leading education nonprofit founded in 1996 by Tiger Woods. With a commitment to providing opportunities that unlock the unlimited potential in the lives of young people from under-resourced communities, its mission is to empower students to pursue their passions through education. In 2026, TGR Foundation is celebrating 30 years of driving dreams together. Through its TGR Learning Labs and signature education programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) educational enrichment, career and college readiness and health and well-being, TGR Foundation has served more than 217,000 students. For more information, visit TGRFoundation.org or connect on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Joel Schuchmann, DKC Sports