Mission

Level Playing Field Institute is committed to eliminating the barriers faced by underrepresented people of color in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and fostering their untapped talent for the advancement of our nation.

Vision

Fairness matters.

Work hard, get ahead. This is the way it's supposed to happen; it just doesn't happen this way for everyone. That's the part that's unfair. No one should have to work twice as hard to get half as far.

We envision a world where a true level playing field exists – a world where everyone has access to opportunities, including the historically disenfranchised. Racial and cultural differences would be acknowledged as positive attributes for a diverse society.

It would start in our educational system. The economic poor wouldn't be educationally disadvantaged anymore. All talented students, regardless of socio-economic status, would be academically prepared to apply to, and graduate from, top colleges and universities.

In the workplace, individuals would go as far as their interests and capabilities would take them. This is what getting ahead should be about: no hidden barriers or obstacles and no unfair advantages.

As a result, our communities and workplaces will benefit from well-prepared, competitive leaders representing broad perspectives and sectors of society.

LPFI provides financial, academic, employment and leadership resources to help our students surmount the obstacles to their success.