Sponsor Spotlight: Walton Family Foundation

The Walton Family Foundation is “redefining the way philanthropy collaborates with grantees and communities to take on some of the world’s biggest problems.” One way the foundation is accomplishing this is through its support of hands-on education programs created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® (NIHF).

Supporting Accessible Learning Opportunities

“We believe that those closest to the challenges have the best solutions,” explained Kim Davis, senior adviser, Home Region Program at Walton Family Foundation, in an interview with NIHF. “That’s why it’s so vital to support educational programs and institutions, including schools, extracurriculars and afterschool programs, making a difference in students’ lives today.”

NIHF is grateful for the foundation’s ongoing generosity and support of NIHF’s out-of-school time (OST) programming. “It’s vital to support educational programs and institutions on the ground in the Delta, including schools, extracurriculars and afterschool programs,” said Davis. “The features NIHF offers are important, as children who have been historically underserved and underrepresented are at a greater risk than ever of falling further behind due to the pandemic.”

The Walton Family Foundation has supported OST programs in school districts within Phillips County, Arkansas, and Coahoma County, Mississippi. The foundation understands the value of providing effective out-of-school time programs, especially in these underserved and underrepresented areas.

Preparing Children for the Future

To implement both Camp Invention^® and Club Invention^® programs, NIHF provides local educators with all the curricula, hands-on materials, guidance and support they need, from start to finish. “Investing in educators who are vital to the success of students in the Delta is a key part of the foundation’s efforts,” shared Davis. “When schools and teachers have high-quality training and materials, they can ensure every child in the region receives an education that puts opportunity within reach.”

Each child who participates in a NIHF education program not only enjoys an engaging and confidence-building experience, but they also learn to see themselves as innovators and build valuable skills that prepare them for college and the careers they could pursue in the future.

“Careers in STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] fields are among the fastest growing and highest earning, yet they go unfilled due to a lack of an educated and qualified talent pool,” explained Davis. “These programs [...] provide access to innovation and creativity in a rural, under-resourced region.”

The foundation values how Camp Invention and Club Invention connect creative program experiences to real-world applications, showing children what they are capable of accomplishing. By introducing exciting challenges that foster collaboration and persistence, the programs support academic achievement while helping children build the mindset they need to become strong problem solvers who can successfully navigate their lives.

“When children learn to be persistent in their thinking and decision-making, it enhances creativity, cultivates divergent thinking and boosts collaboration in the classroom,” said Davis. “Every child needs the opportunity to build the skills — like persistence and entrepreneurial thinking — that will help shape their future.”

Learn More About the Walton Family Foundation

NIHF offers sincere thanks to the Walton Family Foundation for its meaningful support in bringing accessible and impactful out-of-school time programs to children in the Delta region. To learn more about the foundation and its mission, please visit its website.