SMASH

Level Playing Field Institute is an Oakland-based non-profit that 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. We help reveal and remove the barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from achieving all they can. We do this by focusing on two key areas: Education Programs and Research on Equity and Bias. Our signature program, the Summer Math and Science Honors (SMASH) Academy, is a rigorous STEM acceleration college preparatory program for underrepresented high school students of color to excel in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Our research on equity and bias focuses on K-12, higher education and the workplace, revealing inequities in the education system and the effects of subtle bias on creating unfair work environments, and supports improved outcomes for students of color and more fair work environments. Through our research we aim to improve outcomes for underrepresented students, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, from the classroom to the boardroom.