By Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy CEO Joe Dorman
Beyond the positive legislation that survived the Legislature’s deadline last week, many with overwhelming support, there was a tremendous financial gift given to Oklahoma. This support will undoubtedly provide a positive impact for children in need of hope.
I had the pleasure of being invited to the announcement of a $10 million matching initiative provided by Arnold Ventures over the next four years for Oklahoma youth programs. The partnership will initially focus on community-driven programs that have a demonstrated record of unlocking students’ potential.
“This partnership highlights our commitment to world-class education, workforce readiness, and ensuring every young Oklahoman has the tools they need to achieve their full potential and thrive,” proclaimed Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Laura and John Arnold, the founders and co-chairs of Arnold Ventures, were present at the announcement where more than 100 Oklahomans gathered to hear the news.
“With policymakers facing increasingly complex problems and the need to balance budgets, it’s crucial to support strategies with the greatest potential to drive real, measurable outcomes for children, families, and communities,” said Laura Arnold. “We look forward to working with Governor Stitt and his team in Oklahoma on this significant partnership.”
I had the opportunity to personally visit with the Arnolds following the announcement. Their excitement about the opportunity to do good in our state was obvious, and I certainly appreciate what their donation will do for many areas of the work that the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) supports through our collaborative partners.
Potential initiatives which would bolster areas of need that were included in the release, though certainly not limited to these, are:
- Saga Tutoring – This proven educational intervention provides intensive math tutoring services to 9th and 10th graders in low-income high schools. Large, well-conducted randomized controlled trials found that Saga produced a sustained increase in students’ math achievement.
- Wendy’s Wonderful Kids – This program recruits adoptive families for children in foster care or other out-of-home placements. A large, well-conducted randomized controlled trial found Wendy’s Wonderful Kids increased adoption rates by more than one-third over a period of several years.
Both of these policy areas are points where Oklahoma has been struggling. There is legislation going through this session which could also provide improvements. House Bill 2030, authored by Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City and Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Oklahoma City, would increase foster care rates to help care for those youth.
There is also Senate Bill 215 by Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, and Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R- Clinton, which would create the Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act, a directive to screen students in grade school and provide interventions to help those who are struggling.
Thank you again to the Arnolds for this generous support for Oklahoma’s youth.
If you have a program you feel might qualify and benefit from financial assistance through these matching funds, which includes public school districts, contact Brian Bobek of DHS at Brian.Bobek@gov.ok.gov for more information.
Such investments with private dollars are increasingly vital for providing services to assist in areas of need. I also want to thank all those many Oklahoma family foundations and philanthropists that provide generous support for improving the quality of life for Oklahomans. OICA certainly benefits from those foundations who support our mission.
If you are in a position in life where you would like to see a mission supported beyond your own time of life, consider reaching out to one of the several foundation management organizations in Oklahoma to establish your own private family foundation with an endowment. This will ensure the work of charitable organizations that you cherish may continue to do good well into the future.
