About the Institute
Dedicated to the pursuit of what is possible
It is not uncommon today to see people starving and living in danger just a few miles away from where thousands of pounds of food are thrown away and security defines the neighborhood. Similarly, in nearly every country in the world (and every state in the U.S.), women and children are stolen from their lives, sexually exploited, and trafficked around the world. In addition, more than 20 million people are enslaved today - forced into labor of all kinds - and we allow and often participate in it, even if perhaps unknowingly. Much like war, itself, these conditions reflect the lowest common denominator of human life.
While all this is going on, there are advances in many scientific and technological fields that reveal our true potential, one that extends far beyond previously accepted limitations. They point to our connected and interdependent existence. In fact, what we think of today as being aspirational is just a jumping-off point for what is possible.
It is the rise from our lowest common denominator to our highest potential that underlies the vision of The Bergel Institute. The Institute examines research and developments in science, health, and technology while working daily to effect change in areas such as poverty, human trafficking, and human enslavement. The failure of collective efforts to eradicate these issues over generations motivates the Institute to work with urgency and to build partnerships across the globe. For these are solveable issues, and it is when we recognize our deep connectedness that we will no longer tolerate the unneccesary suffering so many experience each day.
From research to action to outcomes
The founders of The Bergel Institute bring decades of experience working on poverty at the grassroots level and in research and policy analysis. The Action Guide aims to share what leads directly to people in your community rising out of poverty on a permanent basis.
Fellowships
A year of intensive study and active mentorship
The Institute supports one-year Fellowships for individuals of all ages who wish to pursue intensive study in one of our six focus areas. The Institute serves as an incubator for Fellows to prepare their work for future growth. Upon completion, Fellows are required to serve as mentors for future Fellows.
Awards
Honoring those who work to end poverty
The Courtney Loprest Award is a $10,000 annual prize recognizing an individual with an unconditional commitment to eradicating poverty in their community or on a national level. The 2026 recipient is Orondaam Otto, founder of Slum2School Africa, whose work has reached more than 715,000 children across sub-Saharan Africa.
Picure: One of the sustainable school campuses built by Slum2School Africa.
Six areas of focus
