Three Heartland Cities Honored for Developing the Right Playbook for Helping Their Communities Thrive Bentonville, Ark. — Today, as part of the 2025 Heartland Summit, think-and-do tank Heartland Forward honored three cities—Chattanooga, Fargo and Wichita—as Secret Sauce Communities. In showcasing each city’s innovative approaches to economic growth, community development and cultural vitality, the recognition highlights… Continue reading PRESS RELEASE: Chattanooga, Fargo and Wichita Recognized at 2025 Heartland Summit as Secret Sauce Communities
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PRESS RELEASE: rootEd Arkansas Students Announce Postsecondary Plans at Heartland Forward’s Decision Day
Heartland Forward highlights how placing trained college and career advisors in rural schools helps students define clear paths after graduation at the Heartland Summit Bentonville, Ark. – In rural communities across the U.S., students too often face limited access to college and career guidance – a gap that can leave future opportunities out of reach.… Continue reading PRESS RELEASE: rootEd Arkansas Students Announce Postsecondary Plans at Heartland Forward’s Decision Day
PRESS RELEASE: Heartland Forward Launches Maternal and Child Health Center to Improve Health Outcomes in the Heartland
The Center will work to reduce disparities and promote accessible care by providing technical assistance, sharing best practices and leveraging data to guide decision-making. Bentonville, Ark. – Heartland Forward, a policy think-and-do tank dedicated to serving states and local communities in the middle of the country, today launched the Maternal and Child Health Center for… Continue reading PRESS RELEASE: Heartland Forward Launches Maternal and Child Health Center to Improve Health Outcomes in the Heartland
Heartland Forward, Gallup and Walton Family Foundation Gen Z AI Poll
Recognizing the unique impact that artificial intelligence could have on Gen Zers, Heartland Forward partnered with the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup to interview nearly 1,500 13‐ to 28‐year‐olds living in the 20 heartland states. The survey measured the attitudes of Gen Zers in the heartland toward artificial intelligence, its impact on school and work… Continue reading Heartland Forward, Gallup and Walton Family Foundation Gen Z AI Poll
Human Capital & Workforce Development with rootEd Arkansas
Overview Heartland Forward, in collaboration with rootEd Alliance and with support from the Arkansas Department of Education, is driving efforts to strengthen Arkansas’s talent pipeline and grow its economy by providing rural high school students with dedicated college and career advisors. The initiative ensures students graduate prepared for successful careers and economic stability which furthers… Continue reading Human Capital & Workforce Development with rootEd Arkansas
Improving Access to Mental Health Care in the Heartland
Heartland Forward has identified opportunities to improve mental health care across the heartland as we work to be a resource for states and local communities – supporting quality of life and overall economic success in the middle of the country. Research Programming
Harnessing AI in the heartland
Heartland Forward Releases First-of-its-Kind Poll on AI Sentiment Across the Heartland Using AI Heartland Forward is committed to growing the economic success and regional competitiveness of the heartland, and in our modern economy, this means integrating and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. As a convener and trusted resource for our heartland communities, we have… Continue reading Harnessing AI in the heartland
Heartland Forward Releases a Series of Resources to Support Mothers
Earlier this spring, we released our report titled “The Economic Case for Investing in Maternal Health”. At Heartland Forward, we are committed to investment in maternal health to promote the development of the region because we believe that healthy mothers make for a dynamic heartland. This commitment to new and expecting mothers made this past… Continue reading Heartland Forward Releases a Series of Resources to Support Mothers
PRESS RELEASE: Applications Now Open for Detroit Residents to Turn Their New Business Ideas into Reality Through Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator Powered by Heartland Forward
Program offering up to $5,000 is through partnership with Michigan Central and Newlab DETROIT – Today, Heartland Forward, Builders + Backers, Michigan Central, and Newlab announced that applications are now open for Detroit residents to apply for up to $5,000 to help them turn ideas into potential businesses or ventures. Anyone with an idea for… Continue reading PRESS RELEASE: Applications Now Open for Detroit Residents to Turn Their New Business Ideas into Reality Through Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator Powered by Heartland Forward
PRESS RELEASE: WINTER COHORT CLOSES WITH NEARLY 100 BUILDERS GETTING $400,000 IN FUNDING TO TEST IDEAS
70% of the Winter 2023 Idea Accelerator Heartland Participants Launched or Are Growing New Ventures Arlington, VA — Builders + Backers and Heartland Forward announced the completion of the 2023 Winter Cohort with 92 new entrepreneurs receiving nearly $400,000 in funding to test their ideas, build products and launch their new ventures. 70% of the… Continue reading PRESS RELEASE: WINTER COHORT CLOSES WITH NEARLY 100 BUILDERS GETTING $400,000 IN FUNDING TO TEST IDEAS