Sam Dean, executive director of the Amazeum in Bentonville, Arkansas, says communities must embrace and support a holistic view of education that ensures students have access to learning opportunities inside and outside of school.

Dr. Debbie Jones, superintendent of Bentonville Public Schools, says her goal is to ensure students graduate high school ready to follow their dreams.

What is the role of education in creating one of the most vibrant and inclusive communities in the country? It’s a question we recently posed to community members, educators, parents and students in Northwest Arkansas. The group was united in their response: When comes to our schools, the voices of the community must be front and center.

Strong coalitions can empower social change across all sectors through shared purpose and resources. Community leaders share their unique experiences working with coalitions that leverage existing assets and public momentum to drive solutions and build cohesive communities.

Northwest Arkansas has earned a deserved reputation as one of the best places to live in the country. But not everyone can benefit from all Northwest Arkansas has to offer. A commitment to ensuring growth, and the opportunities it offers, is inclusive, will help the region through a recovery period and build a vibrant economy.

We know what’s possible when big ideas take flight, when opportunity and potential form a foundation of hope. The Walton Family Foundation celebrates the people and communities that are making our home region more vibrant, diverse and alive with possibility.

By building hundreds of miles of mountain biking and multi-use trails, Northwest Arkansas has created a close-knit community of users committed to increasing access to recreation for all and preserving the beauty of the region's open spaces.

The K-12 public charter school in Northwest Arkansas integrates the arts into core academic courses like science, math and literature, helping students make deeper connections to the material.

When the coronavirus forced cancellation of group rehearsals, members of the NWA Jazz All-Stars Youth Ensemble, including saxophonist Ian Taylor, pivoted to find new and creative ways to keep the band playing.

Museum curator Allison Glenn found a balance between her professional and personal life when she moved to Bentonville, Arkansas. She discovered a tight-knit community where people look out for one another.

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.