Bright Futures in Austin

“I love my school. I just like dogs,” a young student said one morning in his classroom, surrounded by teachers and friends. It was an innocent moment — kids speaking freely, learning and exploring together — the kind of scene that plays out daily at Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy, where laughter and discovery go hand in hand.

The center was created in 2023 by Hormel Foods in partnership with Bright Horizons, answering years of feedback from team members who struggled to find quality childcare in Austin, Minnesota. What began as an idea to ease that burden became a state-of-the-art facility designed to give children the best possible start.

For Hormel Foods, the center represents much more than a daycare center for team members’ kids. It’s an investment in families, team members and the Austin community.

family

130 Children

Ages 1 month – 12 years

Degree

NAEYC Accreditation

Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children

“To finally see it come to life was incredibly rewarding,” said Katie Larson, senior vice president of Human Resources at Hormel Foods. “It’s an investment not only in our team members, but in the community. Parents love it, kids thrive here, and Austin becomes an even stronger place to live and work.”

Childcare access has long been a challenge in Austin, leaving many parents uncertain about how to balance work and family life. In response, Hormel Foods partnered with Bright Horizons to open Inspired Beginnings, a 13,000-square-foot facility that now serves up to 130 children from infancy through preschool, providing a premium childcare and early education option for the community.

A Lifeline for Families

For parents, the center has been transformative. Priority enrollment and discounted tuition for Hormel Foods team members mean access to something rare in a small community: high-quality, reliable childcare close to home and work.

“I can focus on my job knowing my kids are in the best place possible,” said Alanna Myron, senior finance manager at Hormel Foods. “They’re learning, making friends and being cared for by people I trust.”

That trust comes from the caliber of the staff. Bright Horizons is a nationally recognized leader in employer-sponsored early education. Teachers are experienced, many holding degrees in early childhood education. Bright Horizons also supports ongoing professional development, allowing staff to pursue additional credentials while they work.

Parents notice the difference. Children return home talking about math, science and books. They learn life skills at mealtimes, serving themselves family-style and trying new foods — many featuring Hormel Foods products. Daily photo updates through the Bright Horizons app allow parents to peek into the classroom and share in their child’s day.

I can focus on my job knowing my kids are in the best place possible. They’re learning, making friends and being cared for by people I trust.
Alanna Myron, senior finance manager at Hormel Foods

Morgan and Micah Russell, Hormel Foods team members with two children at the center, praised the holistic approach. “It feels like a preschool, not daycare,” they said. “Our kids are excited to come here, and we’re confident they’re getting the foundation they need.”

The family-first design goes beyond academics. Inspired Beginnings has become a community hub, hosting family events, participating in local food drives and providing a sense of belonging for parents and children alike.

“The hardest part used to be finding a spot,” said Matt Day, senior customer executive at Hormel Foods. “Now, not only do we have one, it’s the best option we could ask for.”

A Path to Discovery

Leaders at Hormel Foods knew the solution had to be more than babysitting. Parents wanted an environment where children would be challenged, nurtured and prepared for school. “This isn’t just a space to drop your kids off,” said Angie Bissen, director of talent acquisition at Hormel Foods. “It’s a true learning academy with discovery-driven curriculum, highly qualified staff and an environment designed for growth.”

Every child in the world deserves an education and a school just like this.
Bryson McCargar, Bright Horizons

From infants to preschoolers, every age group benefits from the same philosophy: hands-on exploration, curiosity and purposeful play. Bright, modern classrooms are filled with natural light and stocked with learning materials that engage the imagination. Outdoor play areas make use of the site’s towering oak trees, giving kids both space and inspiration to run, climb and discover. Inside, STEM spaces (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) encourage problem-solving and creativity.

Even mealtime is intentional. Children serve one another, practice pouring and learn table etiquette while trying diverse, nutritious meals. “I hear parents say, ‘I can’t believe my child ate that,’” Bissen noted. “It’s about learning, even at lunch.”

The results are evident in the kids themselves. Jackson, a preschooler, proudly listed his favorite activities: “Playing with Walker. Doing tree branches. Donuts.” Another student summed it up simply: “I love math.”

For Larson, moments like these reflect the broader vision. “We heard strong feedback from our team members that they wanted more choice and better options for childcare,” she said. “Inspired Beginnings answered that call. It’s one of the most meaningful investments we’ve made.”

That investment resonates far beyond Hormel Foods. By easing childcare concerns in Austin, Inspired Beginnings strengthens families, helps team members feel supported and enhances the community itself, making the city a more attractive place for parents to settle and grow.

“Hormel Foods wasn’t just interested in creating a solution that helped our team members,” Bissen said. “We recognized that childcare was a challenge for the entire community, and we wanted to do something that makes Austin a stronger, more vibrant place to live.”

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Bright Futures in Austin

A Lifeline for Families

A Path to Discovery

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