Model and Strategy
LPFI is committed to helping students build the skills, and confidence to succeed in tech careers by providing early exposure to the tech ecosystem through experiential learning opportunities of working on real world projects and exposure to the tech workplace.
The program will begin for second year SMASH scholars (rising high school seniors) engaging them in a Career Readiness curriculum to help them gain the “soft skills” most valued by employers.
Students will then be assigned to a team, lead by a volunteer project lead, who will work with the students (mostly virtually) for 6 weeks on real world projects submitted by tech companies that are members of the Employer Collaborative-- companies who have agreed with LPFI to provide opportunities for these students.
Following the 6 weeks of project development, students will have an opportunity to present their project and work on-site with the companies for 2 weeks.
Impact
Since its inception in 2001, LPFI has developed, tested and refined a theory of change to address the achievement gap head on through high-quality STEM education and reinforcing students’ belief in their belonging in the tech industry through exposure to role models, mentors, and peer networks.
Barriers faced by students of color include: lack of access to engaging work opportunities and training, lack of access to role models and peer support networks, social/psychological barriers, limited knowledge about and experience in working in the tech industry, and lack of explicit opportunities to develop successful skills for navigating them.
LPFI provides interventions that include: diverse STEM role models, peers, and instructors; focus on community building, leadership development, and counteracting negative stereotypes; and exposure to the tech industry working environment.
These interventions are predicted to lead to short-term outcomes (including increased comfort in the tech environment; development of coping strategies and skills, positive attitudes and interest in excelling; access to diverse networks and role models; and decreased negative stereotypes about ability) and long-term outcomes (including students persisting and thriving in tech fields and workplaces; participating employers recognizing and embracing strategies of diversity and inclusion in the workplace; and ultimately wider impact in influencing additional students to enter tech fields and influencing tech companies to adopt successful strategies to retain workers of color).
Leadership
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Eli Kennedy
CEO