Your journey begins in summer with a glimpse into all Launchpad has to offer including AI training, community building, 3D printing, game design, and professional networking.
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Time commitment: Six weeks over the summer, 9am-3pm, Mon-Thur
In just six weeks, you will have:
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Met your fellow cohort members and joined the Launchpad community
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Worked on a team to design an app to solve a community problem
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Mastered core AI fundamental skills like prompt engineering and model comparisons
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EARNED UP TO $1320 for completing this stage.
We transform your senior year of high school into an immersive one-year experience with coaching, college courses, corporate challenges, and exposure opportunities that will help you pick a career pathway.
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Time commitment: Half-days during the school year, summer hours may vary.
By the end of your 12 month experience, you will have:
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Mastered a technical skill aligned with your chosen career pathway
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Worked collaboratively to build, test, and launch your app to benefit the community
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Earned an AI Fundamentals certification and a certification in the career pathway of your choice
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Completed a paid summer internship with an employer partner, solving real business problems
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Designed a post-secondary plan, resume, and LinkedIn profile with the help of your career success coach
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EARNED UP TO $4,500 in wages for participating in the program.
After high school, you’ll become a LiftOff Associate, complete intensive tech skills training, and gain some real work experience in an apprenticeship.
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Time commitment: 30 hours per week for 1 year.
By the end of LiftOff, you will have:
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Mastered the skills needed to succeed in the tech industry
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Built a portfolio of relevant, real-world projects
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Completed an apprenticeship with support from Launchpad
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Earned up to $12,000 in stipends.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Launchpad
Who should apply to Launchpad?
If you are an 11th or 12th grader in Philadelphia, you should apply! We are looking for students who have an interest in technology. You do not need any prior experience with coding or technology and you do not need to know for sure you want to have a career in tech! If you have graduated high school (22 years or younger), you can apply for our Lightspeed program.
Is Launchpad free?
Yes! Launchpad is offered at zero costs to the participants.
What does the program offer me?
Launchpad is a free opportunity to earn career-ready certificates and skills, and most importantly a network of employers, mentors, and professionals in tech. We believe if you are working, you should be paid, so all of your time spent in Launchpad, doing internships, and building skills is compensated with competitive pay.
How much money will I earn with Launchpad?
If you complete all three programs, you can earn up to $18,000 over 2.5 years. Stipends are paid bi-weekly and based on attendance and work completion.
How long is the program?
Foundations is a 6 week summer program. 101 and LiftOff are both 12 month programs containing a full school year and subsequent summer. If you choose to do all three programs, the total program will take roughly 2.5 years to complete.
Can I still go to college if I enroll in Launchpad?
Launchpad 101 is well-suited for dual enrollment with CCP or another college offering a flexible schedule. LiftOff is highly challenging and we generally do not recommend attempting it alongside a full-time college course load.
Can I work and participate in Launchpad?
While Launchpad is a lot of work, it is possible to manage it alongside a part time job. Launchpad coaches are here to support you with managing your schedule if you are planning to work or go to school part-time in addition to Launchpad.
Where is Launchpad located?
Launchpad is located at 8th and Market street and easily accessible via the MFL, PATCO, and numerous SEPTA buses.
