Delta Foundation community

Our Story

Born in the Delta. Built for the Delta.

For over 15 years, Delta Foundation has been rooted in Greenville, Mississippi — working alongside families, educators, and community leaders to give every student access to a world-class STEAM education.

Mission & Values

Why We Exist

Delta Foundation exists to close the opportunity gap for students in the Mississippi Delta by delivering hands-on, culturally connected STEAM education that prepares them for college, careers, and community leadership.

Community First

Every decision we make starts with the question: what's best for Delta students and families? We are accountable to the community we serve.

Excellence Without Exception

We hold ourselves and our students to the highest standards — because every child in the Delta deserves the same quality of education as anywhere else in the country.

Rooted in Place

The Delta's land, culture, and history are not obstacles — they are assets. Our curriculum connects STEAM to the world students already know and love.

Equity in Action

We don't just talk about equity — we build it into every program, partnership, and policy. Access to opportunity should never depend on zip code.

Students learning together at Delta Foundation

Our History

15 Years of Growing Minds

09
2009

Founded in Greenville

Delta Foundation launched with a single after-school science program serving 40 students at a Greenville community center.

12
2012

STEAM Curriculum Launched

We expanded beyond science to introduce Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics — creating our signature five-pillar STEAM model.

15
2015

First Dedicated Learning Center

With support from community donors, we opened our first dedicated facility in Greenville — a hands-on learning lab serving 300+ students annually.

18
2018

Agriculture Program Roots

We partnered with local farms to launch our Agriculture pillar — connecting students to the land and food systems that define the Delta's identity.

21
2021

1,000 Students Milestone

Delta Foundation crossed 1,000 students served annually, expanding into three additional Delta counties with mobile STEAM programming.

24
2024

Growing Stronger

Today we serve 1,200+ students across 18 active programs, with 40+ community partners and a growing network of Delta alumni making their mark on the world.

Our Team

The People Behind the Mission

Our leadership team brings together educators, community organizers, scientists, and advocates — all united by a belief in the Delta's potential.

Dr. Angela Rivers

Dr. Angela Rivers

Executive Director

A Greenville native and former biology teacher, Dr. Rivers has led Delta Foundation since 2014. She holds a doctorate in Education Policy from Jackson State University and is a nationally recognized voice for rural STEAM equity.

Marcus Johnson

Marcus Johnson

Director of Programs

Marcus oversees all five STEAM pillars and manages relationships with school partners across the Delta. A former engineer, he brings real-world technical expertise into every curriculum decision.

Tanya Simmons

Tanya Simmons

Community Engagement Director

Tanya connects Delta Foundation to the families, churches, and civic organizations that make our work possible. She has deep roots in Washington County and has been with the Foundation since 2016.

James Okafor

James Okafor

Development Director

James leads fundraising strategy and donor relations, helping Delta Foundation secure the resources needed to expand programs and reach more students across the region.

Ready to Be Part of the Story?

Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or partner with us — there's a place for you in the Delta Foundation community.