Walton Family Foundation

📣 Exciting news: CEPR is launching a new initiative, States Leading States (SLS), to identify and spread effective state and local education policies across the country. The continuing decline in NAEP reading scores announced today highlights both the need and the potential impact of the new initiative. Starting in Spring 2026, SLS will release an annual report on promising state and local policies—such as early literacy reforms, state-organized tutoring programs, or postsecondary programs for older students—aimed at driving state-level policy change across the country. Funded by a generous $10 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation, this work addresses a critical need to systematically evaluate state policy innovations and share what works, paving the way for enduring impact. Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/egix9iky Additional information about the 2026 topic and partners will be announced on CEPR’s website throughout spring 2025.

Today we announced 45 design firms have joined the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program, which promotes the highest level of design in the development of future public buildings and spaces in the region. 🌳⛲ The list represents design firms of all sizes, including local and nationally recognized multidisciplinary firms, smaller specialty firms and new designers. See the full list of firms joining: https://ow.ly/mkKn50UPvHW

Today with Gallup, we’re releasing a new report examining Gen Z’s experiences with climate change and water issues. 💧 🔑 A key finding? Water issues top the list of Gen Z’s climate worries, with 74% of Gen Zers saying climate change threatens the clean water supply in the U.S. Read more: https://ow.ly/bRtk50UOPAJ

In Mexico, a quiet revolution is happening in the fishing industry. The leader? Yanett Castro. As the founder of the all-female Almejera de Santa Cruz fishing cooperative, Yanett is challenging norms in the male-dominated sector while championing sustainable clam fishing practices. Her leadership is not just empowering women in her community; it's reshaping the future of Mexico's fishing industry, proving that sustainability and gender equality can go hand in hand. Learn more: https://ow.ly/Ph8m50UC38G

Under Elsa Vega's leadership, SONAPESCAL has become a vital organization for Peru's artisanal fishing community. The society represents six major fishing organizations, accounting for nearly 30% of the country's mahi-mahi and jumbo flying squid operations, which involve around 1,300 vessels. These fisheries are crucial to the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale fishers and their communities, and Vega's work with SONAPESCAL is helping to ensure their sustainability and prosperity for generations to come. Learn more: https://ow.ly/B2mP50UC2Hz

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Director of Special Projects Naccaman Williams reflects on how Dr. King shaped his own belief in the unifying power of service and giving back to his community. Read the full story: https://ow.ly/s2gw50UHN6h

When everyone who has a stake in solving social problems also has a voice, better ideas emerge. We believe strategic communications is a powerful tool to build community and create more effective, long-lasting change. Read more: https://ow.ly/7EyP50UIuCm

Indonesia is setting the bar for sustainable seafood systems! Its new traceability system Stelina helps the government and businesses collaborate more seamlessly — a great example of how bold, ambitious thinking and collaboration can help tackle complex problems like protecting our oceans.

Gen Z is optimistic about the future, but many feel unprepared for it. Our Voices of Gen Z study reveals that nearly 80% of Gen Zers believe they have a bright future ahead, yet 49% said they do not feel prepared for what’s to come. 📊 A key factor? Classroom engagement. Students who feel engaged in school are more likely to believe in their potential and feel ready to succeed. In The New York Times, Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop explore what is contributing to lack of preparedness and how goal-setting, building student agency, and offering real-world learning experiences can be a game changer for students. 💡 Read more on how engaging education and goal-setting can unlock Gen Z’s potential: https://ow.ly/S6M550UI2Zq

As the founder of Anthropocene Alliance, Harriet Festing is on a mission to support grassroots communities on the frontlines of climate change. Inspired by local heroes like Jackie Jones, who fought tirelessly to address flooding in her community of Reidsville, Georgia, Festing works to amplify the voices of those most impacted by environmental injustice. Through Anthropocene Alliance, Festing connects communities facing similar challenges, providing them with the resources and support they need to build resilience and advocate for change. Read more: https://ow.ly/LF8q50UC2ru