George Kaiser Family Foundation

Tulsa Honor Academy (THA) is celebrating its 10th year as a free public charter affiliated with Tulsa Public Schools (TPS). Serving nearly 1,300 scholars in grades 5-12, THA is committed to developing successful college graduates who are not only academically accomplished, but also well-rounded and engaged members of their communities. With 98.5% of the Class of 2024 scholars accepted into a four-year university, THA’s dedication to public education, access, and equity ensures that its graduates are driving transformative change across Oklahoma. Learn more about the Tulsa Honor Academy and their mission at https://ow.ly/WhWm50Touif.

Join our InvestNorth team for a unique fall experience in North Tulsa. From October 3-5 and 10-12, the Pumpkin Farm will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-8 p.m. The event will feature a range of family-friendly activities, including food trucks, live music, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting and carving, stilt-walking scarecrows, a bounce house and more. Best of all, admission is free. We look forward to seeing you there.

The Tulsa Artist Fellowship , a competitively awarded three-year grant allowing artists to live, work and collaborate in Tulsa, is hosting its 2024 Open House, Oct. 4-6. The dynamic weekend includes exhibitions, installations, performances, open studios, workshops and the debut of Earthbound, a dark sky exhibition in partnership with Space For Us. All events are free and open to everyone. More information is available at https://ow.ly/Qs0q50TwoNE. First Photo: Arthur Jafa, "Love is the Message, The Message is Death," Video Still, 2016. Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery.

The recent installation of new neighborhood signs in North Tulsa’s Chamberlain neighborhood reflects the ongoing community-led efforts to beautify and uplift the area. Supported by our InvestNorth initiative, this project highlights the collective community commitment to honor the vibrant legacy of North Tulsa.

This back-to-school season, City Year Tulsa celebrates a decade of supporting students at Tulsa Public Schools and providing essential guidance to more than 23,000 students across 19 campuses nationwide, helping them stay engaged and excel in their academic journeys. With a focus on equitable outcomes, the program ensures that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the tools and support needed to thrive. Through personalized tutoring and mentorship, City Year members work to provide the attention and encouragement students need to reach their full potential. Discover how City Year is transforming education and shaping brighter futures in Tulsa at https://ow.ly/PAiO50TotgI.

Great news for Tulsa families: Tulsa Educare and CAP Tulsa have secured nearly $4.3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Head Start to expand access to high-quality early childhood education. GKFF was founded on the belief that every child deserves an equal opportunity, and we’re proud to partner alongside these organizations to create a pathway to lifelong success for children, especially those from low-income families.

Elevate East celebrated Welcoming Week at its new 10-acre site, soon to become a vibrant cultural and community hub for East Tulsa. The property is home to key organizations like the Global District, Art House Tulsa and El Centro, among others. Located on site is the Hannah Banquet Hall, where Mosaic — the Chamber’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) coalition — held its September meeting, featuring Senior Program Officer Cynthia Jasso Burke. Attendees heard updates on the Elevate East initiative, key investments like the new East Tulsa Business Incubator at Plaza Santa Cecilia and priorities for the next year.

Festival Americas is back, and celebrating 10 years as one of Tulsa's most immersive cultural experiences. Hosted by the Tulsa Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (TAHCC), this free, family-friendly event will be held at Guthrie Green on September 21. Come check out live music, local vendors, authentic cuisine and engaging activities for kids. Follow along for the latest updates at https://ow.ly/ARPZ50TmiM0.

The Artists Creative Fund (ACF) supports Tulsa-based artists and creatives by providing annual grants that fuel visibility, innovation and professional growth. ACF empowers local talent to explore bold, innovative projects. This fall, two ACF awardees are debuting exciting new work. This week, Jerica Wortham’s “The Pärlā Citywide Creative Festival” began, celebrating BIPOC creativity through art, music and cultural experiences across Tulsa. On October 5 and November 2, Onyx Montes will lead “Tulsa's Hidden Heroines,” a zine-making workshop series designed to honor the powerful legacy of women who have shaped Tulsa's history. For more information on these events, visit https://ow.ly/Aw9m50ToJUf.

Tulsa was recently recognized by The New York Times as one of the top U.S. cities for its design-forward civic infrastructure, highlighting the new Williams Crossing bridge. This 1,400-foot pedestrian and biking bridge—designed by renowned landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh and engineers Schlaich Bergermann Partners—creates a seamless connection to the Gathering Place extensive trail network and west Tulsa neighborhoods along the bank. Over Labor Day weekend, Tulsa marked a major milestone in the transformation of the Arkansas River and revitalized waterfront with the opening of Zink Lake and east bank of the Gathering Place. With new biking and walking access along the pedestrian bridge, and activities like kayaking and paddle boating in Zink Lake, the area is a vibrant destination for recreation and community enjoyment. Read the full New York Times story at https://ow.ly/LHFB50TkgqX.