Foundation History

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.