Wendell Scales Jr., MA

Wendell Scales Jr. is an award-winning youth advocate. As a native of the rural Arkansas Delta, his work intersects innovation, social impact, and economic development. Throughout his career, he has secured over $20 million in funding to support outreach, K-12 AgriSTEM scholarships, and environmental-related pathway initiatives, thereby improving student success outcomes while addressing food insecurity. As the deputy director of innovation at Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools, his efforts have been recognized nationally, with his team being chosen as a national 2022 Yass Prize Semifinalist and receiving a $200k STOP Award for their AgriSTEM initiative, which is focused on creating sustainable transformation and outstanding permissionless opportunities. He also serves as an advisory board member for several local community and regional professional organizations and is a member of the 100 Black Men of Greater Little Rock. Wendell earned a BBA in finance from Henderson State University and an M.A. in higher education from the University of Arkansas Little Rock.