The mission of the Institute is to design, conduct, and disseminate research that helps guide policymakers, educators, media, and the general public toward improving the educational opportunities and outcomes of African Americans. The Institute maintains a diverse research agenda, priorities, and activities that address status and attainment in education from preschool through adulthood for African Americans in the United States and abroad. Additionally, the Institute seeks to train and develop researchers in the investigation of educational issues pertinent to African Americans.

The research conducted by the Institute focuses on pathways to attainment. The Institute investigates the obstacles, barriers, and enablers of educational, occupational, and economic status outcomes. Research findings are disseminated broadly with the aim of impacting public policy incident to the creation of promotion of educational access, attendance, and attainment. The Institute combines the tenets of research and policy to improve local practices in educational settings.