George Kaiser Family Foundation

Welcoming the newest Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM) Urban Scholars: Riley Walker, Audrey Tatum, Zaina Sammur and Bryan Flores. They join an esteemed group of scholarship recipients recognized for their desire to care for underserved communities. Since 2013, GKFF has been honored to support outstanding medical students through the GKFF Scholarship in Urban Medicine. This scholarship eases the financial burden for those committed to practicing in underserved hospitals, clinics and agencies in Tulsa. Learn more about OSU-COM's commitment to training the next generation of primary care physicians in Oklahoma through the 🔗 in our bio.

Tulsa's vibrant arts scene gains field recognition for its excellence and innovation. Recently featured in artnet news, the Tulsa Artist Fellowshipstands out as one of the world's most comprehensively resourced artist residencies. Dedicated to supporting visionary artistic practices, Tulsa Artist Fellowship awards place-based funding over three years. Artists and arts workers living in and joining the City of Tulsa receive stipends for actualizing proposed projects and housing, fully subsidized studios, and additional benefits for families and healthcare. Interested in learning more about the program? Don't miss their open house from October 4-6, featuring exhibitions, film screenings, open studios, literary readings, community meals and more. Read the full feature at https://ow.ly/5oSB50SOs5z. ‘Take Me to the Altar' commissioned performance by awardee Ashanti Chaplin, 2024. Flagship at Tulsa Artist Fellowship. Photo by Melissa Lukenbaugh, courtesy of Tulsa Artist Fellowship.

The Tulsa Idea Challenge was a transformative experience for Sara D. Gayle, CFEA and her project partner Chris, who together developed Progress Passport—a mobile app assisting formerly incarcerated women with employment, housing and support. Over the two day event, Tulsa Idea Challenge offered invaluable support through expert panels and resources, culminating in the pair winning Best Experimenters of 2024 and validating their efforts that inspired further refinement of their app. Learn how the Tulsa Idea Challenge supported innovation and collaboration for impactful community-driven problem-solving at https://ow.ly/p4Cs50SOmXm.

We recently gathered with 40 North Tulsa advocates for an update with executive director Ken Levit and our InvestNorth team about GKFF initiatives supporting the community. Our InvestNorth initiative is working alongside residents and local organizations to reactivate North Tulsa's historically Black neighborhoods through targeted investments in housing, health, education and workforce development. Learn more about how InvestNorth is fostering neighborhood development at https://ow.ly/XXLN50SL1BS.

The view along Riverside Drive is brighter than ever as Gathering Place personnel recently tested the lights on the new Williams Crossing pedestrian bridge over the Arkansas River. Set to open on Labor Day weekend along with Zink Lake, Zink Dam and a recreational flume for kayaking, the new bridge aims to become just one of the many beloved architectural icons in Tulsa. Read the full Tulsa World story at https://ow.ly/1y6B50SHF1h. 📸: Mike Simons / Tulsa World

Addressing the need for affordable housing in historically marginalized Black neighborhoods, the Tulsa Housing Authority, our InvestNorth initiative and community partners are transforming North Tulsa with 36N, the city’s largest affordable housing project. Our own Brandon Oldham, who leads the InvestNorth initiative, reflected on his experiences growing up in North Tulsa, noting the former Comanche Park apartments where the the project recently broke ground, was the first home he ever knew: "But most of all, I think of a longing for opportunity," said Oldham. "I'm immensely grateful for the courageous partners involved with this project, which will spur opportunity for North Tulsa." Read the full story at https://ow.ly/Bxsf50SEGCC.

We're honored to be part of the NationSwell nationwide network of partners committed to creating generational impact through community-centered solutions. Tulsa was recently featured as a national model for successfully adopting a place-based mindset and empowering communities to create lasting and sustainable change. Read more about our neighborhood empowerment work with Elevate East and Invest North, and the public-private partnerships that unlocked the potential for equitable growth in the Kendall Whittier neighborhood at https://ow.ly/pPAj50SEoei.

Looking for fun activities for your kids this summer? Let them beat the heat and learn something new with these engaging, educational and free programs for kids at Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa City-County Library and Tulsa Educare.

Tulsa’s Gathering Place was just featured in National Geographic’s new book Here Not There: 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations by Andrew Nelson. Highlighted as an urban green space alternative to Central Park, Nelson praises its innovative design, diverse programming, public art, lush landscaping and close proximity to Route 66. Plan your visit to the Gathering Place, discover upcoming events and more at https://ow.ly/lP6b50SAH3H.

River Parks Authority recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Since being founded in 1974, the riverfront park has transformed from a 3-mile long gravel path into a cherished park with expanded amenities and improved trails for biking, walking and running. The newest additions - Zink Lake, a 1,000-foot whitewater flume and Williams Crossing pedestrian bridge - will all open over Labor Day weekend. Over the years, the park has evolved significantly, becoming a cornerstone of Tulsa's quality of life amenities. Learn more about River Parks Authority, find trail maps and discover upcoming events at https://ow.ly/ilZH50SxtVZ.