• The idea of providing a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 dedicated to raising scholarship funds for students to attend Taylor Business Institute (TBI), a family, minority-owned, for-profit college was thinking outside the box.
• The idea was the brainchild of members of TBI’s Board of Governors.
• These Board members saw struggling, marginalized students, lacking the funds necessary to move into the American mainstream.
• After many tries, much debate and considerable expense on the part of TBI, Level Playing Field (LPF) became a realty in 2002.
• The LPF Foundation represents a critical gateway into higher education by providing financial assistance to help primarily minority students attain workforce skills and proper preparation to pursue a baccalaureate degree.
• Since its inception Level Playing Field has awarded over $ $747,000 in scholarship dollars to students attending Taylor Business Institute.
• In the 2019 year Level Playing Field began the challenging proposition of reinventing itself by broadening its services, enhancing its reach, generating new partnerships, establishing a more diverse, responsive board and installing new management with fresh Ideas.

• Level Playing Field was established on December 17th 2002, primarily with the purpose of raising funds for adult, underserved, urban students who attend Taylor Business Institute. TBI is a private college which strives to empower students with technological career-based education to enter the labor market with sufficient skills to command a wage that will provide them and their families with a standard of living above the poverty line.
• Its purpose is to serve all non-traditional post-high school graduates of lower economic status who typically need substantial financial assistance in order to matriculate into higher education.
• Through fundraising for scholarships, we believe that the Level Playing Field Foundation can bridge that financial gap and assist economically disadvantaged students to attain their educational goals. Level Playing Field works to ensure that the opportunity for higher education is available to individuals from all backgrounds, and that no student in need is left behind.

Level Playing Field and Taylor Business Institute: the Connection

The Level Playing Field Foundation was established as an outreach resource for the Taylor Business Institute and its students; however, individuals not attending Taylor Busi­ness Institute may also apply for scholarships.

TBI’s goal is to remain a relevant player providing access to education for underrepresented populations. In addition to adding new programs the college will create new partnerships for access and education and strengthen old ones

The Level Playing Field organization remains a key partner with Taylor Business Institute in providing this access

TBI Mission:

Taylor Business Institute’s vision is to address the educational and personal development needs of a diverse, underserved student population while increasing our presence within the Chicago community. We see Taylor as an educational environment that fuses technologically-enhanced education and general education to support our students’ mastery of those skills necessary for success in the workplace and their community.

Frequently asked questions:

Q. Is there more money available to pay for my education at Taylor Business Institute (TBI)?

A. Yes! Merit/ need based scholarships are available through Level Playing Foundation. More information regarding scholarships can be formed on TBI’s website (http://www.tbiil.edu/scholarships?).

Q. Will Taylor Business Institute credits transfer to other colleges and universities?

A. Yes! Taylor Business Institute is regionally accredited institution and the credits completed at TBI are widely accepted at other colleges and universities. TBI is also currently a member of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), as a receiving institution, which further strengthens its articulations with other regionally accredited institutions in Illinois.

Q. Will Taylor Business Institute credits be considered when I apply with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) for police officer vacancies?

A. Yes! Taylor Business Institute is a regionally accredited institution and its credits are recognized and accepted by the Chicago Police Department (CPD). TBI has also established a relationship with the CPD.

Q. Do I have to take loans for my studies at Taylor Business Institute?

A. Maybe Not! It depends. TBI offers loan-free education through its grant/scholarship assistance programs to high school graduates who are PELL Eligible. For more details, please visit the college’s website or Financial Aid Office.

Q. How long will it take to complete the program?

A. Taylor Business Institute offers accelerated training programs. The programs are offered in six (6) quarter and eight (8) quarter formats. Students enrolled in the six (6) quarter format are on average scheduled up to five  (5) courses per quarter and based on criteria for normal time frame completion, can complete the program in fourteen (14) months. Students enrolled in the eight (8) quarter program are on average scheduled up to four (4) classes per quarter and based on criteria for normal time frame completion, can complete the program in twenty (20) months. The time frame for completion, however, depends on the students’ satisfactory academic progress in the program.

Q. Will I be able to get a job after completing the program?

A. Yes! Taylor Business Institute’s placement rate for the placement year 2017/18 was 82%.