Walton Family Foundation

Opportunity enables people to fulfill their highest potential. To build choice-filled lives. But opportunity needs the right environment to flourish. Strong communities help create that environment — places where people feel connected, supported and a sense of agency. When residents feel heard and invested in their communities, optimism grows. So does the motivation to give back, solve problems together and build lasting opportunity for future generations. Learn more: https://ow.ly/v22550Z18B4

Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation recently partnered to quantify the state of opportunity in America. In the process we found that while 72% of Americans believe their community is worth investing in, 61% do not trust their local leaders to act in the best interest of their community. The research confirms that declining trust is transcending all levels of leadership. Still, most Americans are hopeful about the future at 64%.

"Nearly three-quarters of adults (72%) agree that their community is worth investing in." ❤️ "Opportunity enables people to fulfill their highest potential. To build choice-filled lives. Our work helps create access to opportunity so people and communities thrive. It is rooted in a simple idea: that people can accomplish extraordinary things when they have the encouragement and conditions to succeed." Thank you to Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation's Communications Team for this timely report. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gR9nn_3e Access the Full Report: https://lnkd.in/gdiQ4Jq9

Where – and why – does opportunity flourish in America? 🌅 💡New research in partnership with Gallup explores how Americans view opportunity today — and the conditions that help people and communities thrive. Based on responses from nearly 7,000 adults nationwide, the study found that people who feel they can shape their own future are more than twice as likely to feel hopeful and thriving in their lives overall. The findings point to the importance of strong local foundations: stable jobs, affordable housing, supportive relationships and communities where people feel heard. ✨ When the conditions that help opportunity take root are supported, Americans work together to build resilient communities. 🏘️🌱 Explore more of the research findings at https://lnkd.in/giXqKWhZ.

Opportunity takes root when people believe they can shape their future — and when communities create the conditions to help them thrive. 🌱 A new study created in partnership with Gallup explores how Americans view opportunity today. The findings reveal a complex picture. Two-thirds of Americans believe they have the power to decide the direction of their lives. But this belief alone is not enough to make opportunity attainable. To tap into that powerful sense of self-empowerment, communities must create the conditions that help opportunity take root: strong schools, stable jobs, affordable housing and access to nature. As we look ahead to the next five years in our philanthropy, we remain committed to working alongside communities to strengthen the systems that expand opportunity and resilience. Read the full release: https://lnkd.in/gJNu-6EW

AI is already in classrooms. How can schools help teachers make the most of it? Researchers and education leaders at the ASU+GSV Summit shared that getting AI right in schools starts with supporting teachers. That means: ✅ Choosing tools that save teachers time and align with instructional goals ✅ Setting clear guidelines so teachers and students know what responsible AI use looks like ✅ Including teachers in shaping AI policies 🔗 Explore more insights at https://lnkd.in/gGr4iBXH

Two-thirds of teachers plan to stay in K-12 education for their entire career. That kind of commitment deserves real support. Research from the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup pulls back the curtain on the pressures teachers are navigating alongside that dedication: 🍎71% of teachers hold at least one second job ⚠️ 34% say their second job negatively impacts their teaching 🔥 Teachers struggling financially are far more likely to report frequent burnout Craig Melvin & Scott Galloway unpack this and more on Glass Half Full. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/gQgcVjCp

What helps students feel connected to school — and excited to show up each day? Music has a big role at George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans. Once among the city’s lowest-performing schools after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Collegiate Academies is rebuilding the high school's future through a band program rooted in tradition, discipline and community pride. NBC News’ The Learning Shift explores how programs that center student identity and belonging can help open pathways to long-term success. Watch the full story: https://ow.ly/EYGH50YXMgP

“The future of this region will be built by the people who live here. Our commitment is to support that work, every step of the way.” Read more from Home Region Program Director Robert Burns below:

Many teachers are taking on second jobs just to stay in the classroom, Gallup research shows. How can we better support them and make teaching a more sustainable career? With NBC News, Christina Grant of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University discusses how innovation — including the thoughtful use of AI — could help reduce workload demands, create more sustainable career pathways and give teachers more time to focus on students. Supporting educators means investing in stronger classrooms, stronger communities and more opportunity for every student. Watch the full story: https://ow.ly/60La50YW3S2