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Rockefeller Foundation Unveils Second Class of U.S. Big Bets Fellows

On April 21, 2026, The Rockefeller Foundation proudly announced the selection of its second class of U.S. Big Bets Fellows at the Big Bets for America event in Baltimore. This initiative aims to surface, accelerate, and scale innovative solutions for the most pressing challenges faced by Americans today.

The fellowship, which includes ten distinguished leaders from diverse regions such as California, Indiana, and Massachusetts, reflects a commitment to address economic disparities within vulnerable communities across the nation. These fellows are focused on creating meaningful projects that target workforce development, climate resilience, and innovative economic strategies, which are crucial in light of the current economic climate.

In a time when the U.S. labor force participation has plummeted to 61.9%—the lowest since 2021—and inflation continues to rise, the fellows are stepping up to tackle these pressing issues with bold and locally-driven actions. Each fellow is addressing unique challenges in their communities, showcasing the importance of localized solutions in the pursuit of economic opportunity and prosperity for every American.

Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that AI and technological advancement are reshaping the economy, urging the importance of investing in local leaders dedicated to uplifting communities.

Over the next five months, the fellows will engage in tailored programming that includes peer networking and professional development, allowing them to tighten their strategies and resource mobilization for scaling their ideas. Some of the highlighted projects include:

• - California: Rachel Halfaker is working on empowering under-resourced communities by providing AI-driven tools and protocols to streamline infrastructure planning.
• - Central Appalachia: Andrew Crosson is focused on investing in climate-resilient ventures, creating sustainable jobs that build community wealth.
• - Indiana: John McDonald aims to transform industrial challenges into new entrepreneurial opportunities, increasing job stability in the region.
• - Massachusetts: Rohan Sandhu is documenting effective economic development strategies to share knowledge across communities nationwide.
• - New Jersey: Chid Liberty's initiative promotes paid apprenticeships to provide career pathways, particularly for marginalized groups.
• - New York: Angela N. Son is enhancing access to clean energy jobs by creating a user-friendly database of training programs.
• - North Carolina: Shalin Rajesh Jyotishi is enhancing community colleges' capabilities to link students with burgeoning tech jobs.
• - Ohio: Serena Jezior employs AI to better connect job seekers with employers in Cleveland, focusing on personal skill alignment.
• - Tennessee: Marshall Scott Ogier is striving to provide job opportunities for Memphis residents facing numerous socio-economic barriers.

The announcement at the Big Bets for America event showcases how collaboration among various sectors—including philanthropy, policy-making, and the private sector—can yield innovative solutions to challenges that hinder economic mobility across the nation. The 2026 class of Big Bets Fellows also builds upon the successes of the inaugural class announced in May 2025, continuing a legacy of community-focused initiatives.

The Rockefeller Foundation has a rich history of investing in strategies that promote well-being for all Americans, having allocated nearly $3 billion since 2005 to various economic advancement and health initiatives nationwide. With a commitment to investing in local leadership, the foundation aims to support and amplify efforts that drive impactful results.

For ongoing updates about The Rockefeller Foundation’s initiatives, interested parties can subscribe to their newsletter or follow their activities on social media platforms.