The Equal Footing Foundation was founded to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of children and adults in Northern Virginia. Together with our corporate sponsors, local government and business partners, the foundation helps fund, launch and sustain Computer Clubhouses that currently serve over 1,500 youth in six locations. Through these clubhouses and other technology-related programs, we are able to help facilitate corporate efforts to give back to the community.

"The Equal Footing Foundation serves as a vehicle through which local corporations can contribute to the education and development of area youth by supporting programs that teach and empower the next generation of community leaders."

Ellen Harrison
Foundation Chairman

Welcome to the Equal Footing Foundation

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.