Executive Director Caryl M. Stern shares her Big Idea as part of Aspen Ideas Festival 2020.

Ensuring all entrepreneurs have the opportunity to succeed is vital to a thriving economy. Less than 20% of venture capital is directed to the Heartland. In addition to this geographic disparity, less than 10% of all capital is invested in female and other underrepresented entrepreneurs. The Walton Family Foundation is focused on supporting initiatives that foster a culture of entrepreneurship in Northwest Arkansas.

At Thaden School in Bentonville, Arkansas, students learn in interactive classrooms and can take their education on a trajectory that lets them follow their passions. The Walton Family Foundation is working to ensure all students in the region receive a great education at a school that fits their individual needs.

What is the essence of a thriving community – a place you’d want to call home? At the Walton Family Foundation, we believe it starts with people working alongside their neighbors to improve quality of life for all. Across Northwest Arkansas and in the Delta region of Arkansas and Mississippi, we’re proud to support those committed to building towns and cities with great schools, vibrant downtowns, diverse arts and culture, access to trails and nature and a flourishing entrepreneurial spirit.

April Seggebruch launched her tech startup, Movista, with guidance from University of Arkansas professor Carol Reeves.

Entrepreneurs create jobs, foster innovation and build vibrant communities. But to tap into these transformative benefits, the path to success must be accessible to everyone. That’s why the Walton Family Foundation is working with non-profit organizations that support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey in Northwest Arkansas, from startup to scale-up. We believe a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem improves the quality of life for people across the region.

In Northwest Arkansas, Luncher CEO Edwin Ortiz found a supportive community of entrepreneurs eager to help his young company test and refine its free meal-delivery service.

Great schools open a world of opportunity for students. In Northwest Arkansas, the Walton Family Foundation is working to ensure all students receive a high-quality education at the school where they can learn best, while giving teachers the freedom and flexibility to put kids first. Because the region’s future belongs to its children, we’re supporting innovators, school leaders and teachers who are creating vibrant and dynamic educational options that meet the individual needs of students.

The cities and towns of Northwest Arkansas are connected by a shared history, culture and geography – and community-minded residents committed to improving quality of life for all. At the Walton Family Foundation, we believe that accessible parks and green space, an expanding system of trails, innovative design and thriving downtowns are key ingredients that help define Northwest Arkansas’ unique sense of place.

Build UP in Birmingham, Alabama is an early college workforce development program that gives kids the opportunity to earn their high school diploma, an associate's degree and complete a paid apprenticeship to learn high-skilled, high-wage trades.

With pop-up and public art performances, NWA Ballet Theatre is expanding dance’s reach to include both traditional and nontraditional spaces, attracting new fans and encouraging artistic experimentation within the medium. The ballet company has performed everywhere from established arts venues like TheatreSquared to parks, public libraries and sidewalks in Northwest Arkansas.

Jessica Tunney founded TLC Public Charter School to address a shortage of inclusive education options in Orange County. The school's mission is to demonstrate that not only is inclusion possible, but it is preferable for students with disabilities, students who do not have disabilities and students with diverse life experiences of all kinds.

Dr. Richard Glass created Boy’s Lab for boys of color on the South Side of Chicago, so they could have their values and identities affirmed in an academically rigorous environment. He believes “if you are invested in the lives of the students you serve, they'll achieve at higher levels.”

In the Delta region of Mississippi and Arkansas, we’re proud to work with talented educators, entrepreneurs and young people who are determined to improve quality of life. Their optimism and resilience is helping the region confront its challenges and create new opportunities for all residents.

Meet some of the innovators who are changing education. These schools serve as powerful examples of what can be achieved for students when experience, vision and drive come together.

For Iowa farmer Mitchell Hora, cover crops hold the key to healthier, more resilient soil and higher corn and soybean yields even in years with heavy rains or drought.