PHILADELPHIA, PA — Lincoln Financial Foundation is expanding its youth financial education efforts through a partnership with TGR Foundation that will introduce money-management instruction in West Philadelphia this fall before extending the program to the nonprofit’s learning centers nationwide in 2027.
The initiative, called Bold Starts, championed by Lincoln Financial, will launch at the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab at the Cobbs Creek Golf and Education Campus. It will provide students with instruction in budgeting, saving, financial goal-setting and everyday financial decisions.
The program adds financial literacy to the educational offerings at Cobbs Creek, where Lincoln Financial and its nonprofit partners have invested in facilities and programming intended to expand opportunities for Philadelphia-area students and families.
The curriculum uses interactive lessons and practical examples to introduce financial concepts that students can apply as they prepare for higher education, employment and independent financial responsibilities.
Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC), is funding the initiative as part of its focus on financial wellness, youth education and human services.
“Through this program, we’re helping young people build practical skills today that can support their goals and aspirations for years to come,” said Allison Green Johnson, chief belonging and community impact officer and president of Lincoln Financial Foundation.
The partnership also includes plans to extend financial education beyond participating students.
Later this fall, TGR Foundation will pilot a workshop for students and their families, providing an opportunity for households to learn financial concepts together.
Lincoln Financial executives and employees will also participate in an industry day at the Smilow Woodland facility, connecting students with financial professionals and introducing career opportunities in the sector.
The Philadelphia launch will serve as the initial phase of a broader deployment. Beginning in 2027, Bold Starts will be available to students participating in TGR Foundation’s Learning Labs nationwide.
The expansion will extend the program to the foundation’s established educational network, including its operations in Southern California.
“Helping young people build a brighter future means preparing them for both the work they’ll do and the financial decisions they’ll face,” said Hrag Hamalian, chief executive officer of TGR Foundation.
“Through Bold Starts and our partnership with Lincoln Financial Foundation, students in Philadelphia, Southern California and beyond will learn to build financial skills, connect with professionals and explore careers they may never have considered.”
The initiative builds on Lincoln Financial’s existing involvement in the redevelopment of the Cobbs Creek campus.
Earlier this year, Lincoln Financial and Cobbs Creek Foundation marked the opening of the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek, a community facility designed to accommodate educational programming, events and neighborhood activities.
The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab opened in 2025 as TGR Foundation’s second learning center, following its flagship facility in Anaheim, California, which opened in 2006.
Founded by Tiger Woods in 1996, TGR Foundation provides educational enrichment, career preparation and personal development programming, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
The nonprofit reports serving more than 240,000 students through its learning centers and educational programs.
For Lincoln Financial, the partnership establishes a pathway to distribute its financial education programming through TGR Foundation’s existing network, beginning with students in Philadelphia and expanding nationally next year.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.