The Hunt Institute
2025 summit
Watch the new tribute video produced by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation™ highlighting the vision of Hunt Institute founder and champion for early childhood education, Governor Jim Hunt. This video was part of SZCF President Elliot Steinberg’s keynote presentation at the 2025 Hunt Institute Summit held September 24-26 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Maryland.
About
Established in 2001, The Hunt Institute honors the legacy of James B. Hunt, Jr., the former governor of North Carolina who distinguished himself as an ardent champion of education.
The Hunt Institute brings together people and resources to inspire and inform elected officials and policymakers about key issues in education, resulting in visionary leaders who are prepared to take strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success.
Programs
Programs offered by The Hunt Institute focus on informing and inspiring elected officials and key policymakers to make decisions that result in improving the lives of all children through quality education.
Approach
The Hunt Institute creates meaningful platforms to engage policymakers. They are unapologetic about the importance of equity—in educational access, quality, and opportunity—and it is at the core of the work they do.
Impact
The Hunt Institute is building a bench of informed policymakers, nurturing political leadership, and successfully engaging state policymakers on the full continuum of education policy issues.
Legacy
Governor Jim Hunt passed away on December 19, 2025 at the age of 88. At the Hunt Institute’s 25th Anniversary dinner, they celebrated the rise and legacy of the Education Governor, Governor Jim Hunt, in addition to 25 years of the Hunt Institute. The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation® produced this video as part of the celebration, highlighting Governor Hunt and the vision and impact he had on children and education throughout his lifetime.