BENTONVILLE, Ark. (Sept. 1, 2026) – The Walton Family Foundation today announced the appointment of Luis Gonzalez as director of communications. With more than a decade of experience in philanthropy, Gonzalez will lead the foundation’s communications efforts, advancing its institutional priorities and the goals of its Education, Environment and Home Region programs as it implements a new five-year plan.

Engaged students are thriving and looking ahead with confidence, but too many Gen Z youth are missing the support, belonging and connection that make them feel engaged at school

New research from the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup shows that extreme weather strains the community conditions, including jobs, housing, trusted neighbors and natural spaces, that help people build better futures

Morning Consult poll demonstrates that Americans in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming want to see both state and federal officials prioritize water security in the Colorado River Basin

Study evaluates alignment between K-12 CTE pathways, labor market demand and student outcomes across the region

In his new role, Shelledy will help advance market conditions that support natural solutions for healthy rivers, oceans and communities

The Walton Family Foundation announced more than $220 million in active grants to improve K-8 literacy and math outcomes for students across the United States. Aligned with the foundation’s new five-year strategy, these investments seek to strengthen student achievement, targeting the classroom, school, and system levels.

Walton Family Foundation-Gallup survey finds most teachers receive limited guidance on AI use, and resource gaps fuel burnout and retention risks

New research highlights how economic opportunity, education, access to nature and strong community conditions help Americans build better futures

Economic mobility, workforce readiness and regional collaboration anchor the approach