Equal Footing Foundation
2214 Rock
Hill Road, Suite 300
Herndon, VA 20170
The Equal
Footing Foundation was created by the Northern Virginia Technology Council
during my tenure as Chairman of the Council. The Foundation was started in
order to provide a mechanism for technology companies and individuals to
combine resources to improve access to technology to all youths in the area. It has now
spun off as a separate entity and has 501 C(3)
status. Here is information about its mission:
The consistent growth of
tech-based economy in Northern Virginia over the past three decades has led to
the rise of a number of corporations in the region that are at the forefront of
technological innovation and advancement. The Equal Footing Foundation
(formerly called the NVTC Foundation) was founded in 1999 by Northern Virginia
Technology Council members to provide a means for the region’s technology
leaders to contribute positively to local communities.
The foundation is a 501 C(3) nonprofit established to foster youth education and
development, empowering area students through shaping their professional and
technical skills, and teaching them to be leaders within the community and
beyond. The Clubhouse Programs have been designed to maximize the advantage of
being located in a global epicenter for technological advancement, and many of
the Foundation’s programs involve collaboration with surrounding companies,
universities and government agencies.
In the
spring of 2006, the name of the foundation was changed from the NVTC Foundation
to the Equal Footing Foundation to better reflect its mission of youth
development and education. The underlying goal of the foundation is to level
the playing field so that aspiration and intelligence are not obstructed by
race, creed or economic circumstance.
From clubhouse to college
to career: the underlying concept that drives the Equal Footing Foundation is
the idea that young people should start out on a playing field of “equal
footing” regardless of race, creed or economic circumstance. The Equal Footing
foundation, in powerful collaboration with regional and local governments and
local businesses, contributes to the development and education of area youth
through activities that engage and empower, helping participants become the
next generation of community leaders.
With the goal in mind of
how to best serve the community, the Equal Footing Foundation’s mission is to
develop and promote its signature program of the Computer Clubhouses. The
Computer Clubhouse environment fosters youth development and education by
giving participants the tools and skills necessary to become leaders in the
community.
While on the surface,
Clubhouse programs appear tech-centric, the true aim of the programs is to
foster youth development and self-actualization by teaching children to master
the tools that will help them bring their ideas and creativity to life.
The Computer Clubhouse
approach is guided by current educational research that shows that adolescents
learn most effectively when they are engaged in designing and creating projects
rather than memorizing facts or learning isolated skills out of context.
All
donations raised by the Foundation are allocated to specific programs within
the Computer Clubhouse framework. Direct management and operation of the
individual Computer Clubhouses is maintained through a unique relationship with
local and county governments allowing maximum impact for local communities. Our
core values help people realize their potential, succeed in their careers,
contribute to the community, and lead enhanced lives.
During the boom years of technology, the Foundation was well funded. Lately, as many local tech companies have struggled, the funding has become more difficult. Thus, I would like to propose that the Equal Footing Foundation be categorized as “eligible and currently nominated”.
Kathy Clark
September 24, 2014