Walton Family Foundation

Two decades after Hurricane Katrina, the Gulf Coast still remembers. Lives were changed forever — for many, it’s the small things that bring the sharpest memories back: a high school photo or childhood drawing. Verite News New Orleans honors 'What Was Lost': https://ow.ly/KA4O50WNGyp

At Sea Change Live, voices from across the Gulf Coast gathered to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina music, memory, and voices of resilience. 🎧 Listen here: https://ow.ly/TMO550WNGqc

✨ What does Gen Z say about school, teachers, and the future? The 2025 Voices of Gen Z study shows: 📈 56% of students and adults feel prepared for their future—a 12-point increase since 2023 👩🏫 Teachers remain the #1 factor in driving student engagement 🗣️ Students with engaging teachers are significantly more likely to say they’re thriving, optimistic, and prepared for life after graduation Destiny, a 12th grader in Oklahoma City, put it best: “My future is just something I can make myself, and I’m so excited to see where that’ll take me.” 🔗 Explore more insights: https://ow.ly/yIJy50WNG09

🚀 Starting a business takes guts. 🤝 The right support makes all the difference. The Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator brings together veterans, business leaders, and federal partners to remove barriers and build new pathways. Backed by The Venture Center and the SBA, the program helps veteran entrepreneurs: 💼 Access capital 📄 Navigate certification 📈 Grow lasting ventures All in Northwest Arkansas—a region that welcomes hard work and big ideas. 🔗 Learn more about the veterans who’ve launched successful businesses through the program: https://ow.ly/ZXjj50WM5Xt

Gen Z’s experiences today are shaping the future of education and opportunity. Since 2023, with Gallup, we have surveyed thousands of Gen Z youth about their lives, learning, and aspirations through the Voices of Gen Z study. Across all topics one theme stands out: a great education shapes more than academics, influencing how young people feel about themselves and their futures. Key findings related to Gen Z’s education: 📈 Student engagement is at a 3-year high — with half saying school lets them do what they do best (up from 40% in 2023) 💡 77% of Gen Z believe they have a great future ahead — optimism remains steady across three years of the study ⚠️ Just 45% of Gen Z overall report they are “thriving” — the lowest level in the study’s history, driven by declines among young adults 📚 Students with engaging teachers are significantly more likely to say they’re thriving, optimistic, and prepared for life after graduation Preparing Gen Z for the future means aligning learning with their goals and strengths — creating meaningful experiences that foster confidence and lifelong success. 🔗 Explore the full 2025 Voices of Gen Z report here: https://ow.ly/cNmr50WM5Ft

Student engagement is at a 3-year high, but many still say their coursework could be more challenging or relevant. New data shows: 🟡 Half say school lets them do what they do best 🔴 34% say they haven’t learned anything interesting lately How can we create meaningful learning experiences that set up Gen Z for success? The 2025 Voices of Gen Z report, from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, looks at what students say is and isn’t working in today’s classrooms. Learn more: https://ow.ly/E2wK50WM5ea

🚌 Back-to-school season is the perfect time to ask Gen Z: What helps you stay engaged in class? Young people say they learn best when: 1️⃣ Lessons are hands-on and interactive 2️⃣ Teachers show they care about students as people By listening directly to student voices, we can advance lasting solutions that help America’s youth thrive. 🗣️⭐ Learn more: https://ow.ly/qJQF50WKkhB

A lifelong love of reading starts with a single sound. 📖 Magpie Literacy is helping make the first steps toward literacy easier for students through virtual teaching tools like educational games. Just 45-60 minutes a week with Magpie helps students boost their confidence and empowers teachers to give every student the amount of time that they need for success. 📚🧑🏫 ✨ Read more: https://ow.ly/QUmf50WG956

Did you know that more people have been to space than the deepest part of the ocean? 🌌🌊 Or that the ocean produces about half of the world's oxygen? 🌬️ Despite the critical role oceans play in our world, we're far from knowing all of their complexities. With the Short Wave: Sea Camp podcast series, NPR is exploring some of what scientists do know about our wondrous, mysterious oceans — and how it all connects back to life on land. 🥽 Dive into the series: https://ow.ly/fNHB50WE3gS

Northwest Arkansas is on the rise for entrepreneurship —reflecting the grit and creativity that defines the region. 🌟 A new report analyzes how the climate for entrepreneurship in the region has evolved in recent years and compares it with peer metros like Austin, Durham and Madison. The findings: 📈 Business ownership is still below peers but trending upward 🚀 Young firms here are growing faster than average — and surviving longer 💼 Startups now make up 37.2% of the local economy, outpacing state and national rates Strengthening this ecosystem means more than numbers — it’s about creating lasting economic opportunity for people across the region. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gjm8APnQ