Level Playing Field Institute
2201 Broadway
Suite 101
Oakland
CA
94612
Contact Name:
Sumaiya
Contact Email:
Program Description:
Founded by Freada Kapor Klein in 2001, our organization was first known as the Institute for Inclusive Work Environments. Frustrated by the inability of the for-profit world to foster diversity, and having already spent nearly three decades consulting to organizations on issues of discrimination and diversity, Freada aimed to tackle the problem from a different vantage point. She created a non-profit to rigorously and creatively address not just why diversity efforts had failed, but how diversity could succeed - also focusing on improving civility, fairness, and opportunity in workplaces.
Established:
2001
Number of Students Served:
500
Funding:
Foundations, indviduals, corporations
Mission Statement:
Level Playing Field Institute is committed to eliminating the barriers faced by underrepresented people of color in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and fostering their untapped talent for the advancement of our nation.
Objectives:
We envision a world where a true level playing field exists – a world where everyone has equitable access to opportunities, including the historically disenfranchised. This level playing field would start in our educational system. Disparities in resources, high-quality teachers, rigorous courses, and technology would not exist. All students, regardless of race/ethnicity, economic background, parent education level, or neighborhood would be provided with opportunities to excel academically, access rigorous courses, and be prepared to apply to, and graduate from, top colleges and universities across the United States. As a result, our communities and workplaces will benefit from well-prepared, competitive leaders representing broad perspectives and sectors of society. LPFI provides the resources and support to ensure that underrepresented students of color throughout our nation can overcome barriers and obstacles to their success and thrive in STEM fields of study, from K-12 through higher education. Prepare students of color from groups that are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to be competitive in STEM related studies at top universities. Educate students about graduate school opportunities and encourage them to eventually attend in order to further pursue professional, STEM-related studies or careers. Encourage a sense of social responsibility through promotion of critical thinking, civic awareness and leadership.
Specialty:
Science, tech, engineering, math
Academic Prep:
Yes
College and Postsecondary Planning:
Yes
Social Services:
Yes
Middle School (6-8):
Yes
High School (9-12):
Yes
Weekends:
Yes
Summer:
Yes
Weekends:
Yes
Academic:
Yes
Minimum GPA:
3
Income Based:
Yes
Residency Based:
Yes
Other Requirements :
First generation, STEM interest
Male:
50%
Female:
50%
First Generation:
84%
Two Year:
12%
Four Year:
88%
Hispanic/Latino (including Spain):
53%
Asian:
7%
Black or African American:
25%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander:
8%
White (Including Middle Eastern):
0%