Path to Success: Launchpad’s Internship Journey and Employer Network

• Launchpad’s inaugural cohort transitions to paid work experience, equipped with over 500 hours of training and skill building.  
• Internships bridge the gap between Launchpad 101 and LiftOff, offering real-world projects, mentorship, and skill development in a professional environment.
• Launchpad secures partnerships with 12 companies committed to hosting interns, showcasing student talent and enthusiasm.
• We need your help to triple this list within the next year!

After more than 500 hours of python programming, technology industry exposure, and durable skill building, Launchpad’s inaugural cohort are moving into their first paid work experience through partnerships with our ever growing employer network. Since beginning with Launchpad, students in our first cohort have graduated high school, created authentic technological solutions to community based problems, became certified entry level Python programmers, and published ideas to help technology companies become more inclusive. Now, they are looking to apply all they have learned to support the mission and work of local tech companies and nonprofit organizations.

Internships, the logical next step for Launchpad’s students, bridge the gap between Launchpad 101 and the final phase of the program–LiftOff. Over the summer, interns will:

• Be exposed to the professional environment, giving them a firsthand understanding of workplace culture and expectations.
  Receive hands-on experience through real-world projects so that they can develop and enhance their technical and workplace skills.
  Get matched with mentors who can provide guidance, advance, and support throughout the internship period and beyond.

Additionally, students will share in a collective experience reading Questioneering, where they will learn the importance of asking high valued questions and begin to strengthen this skill as they apply their learnings in their internships. In, “How to Succeed in a Tech Internship”, engineer Markell Baldwin writes about how asking the right questions is one way that our students can gain the competitive edge during their internship experiences. As Launchpad’s students embark on their summer internships, they are poised to gain invaluable professional experience, supported by mentors and equipped with newfound skills in questioning and problem-solving, setting a strong foundation for their future careers.

Launchpad’s mission of connecting high school students to high paying jobs in technology can only happen with the support, engagement, and commitment of local companies who see the potential in our students. This employer network cultivation begins with the internship program and extends well into the final phase of Launchpad and beyond. To date, 12 companies have shown their belief in our mission with a commitment to host a Launchpad intern. Securing these partnerships for Launchpad students was only made possible because of the incredible talent, enthusiasm, and potential that shine through in each interaction that industry professionals have with our students.

This talent and enthusiasm was a highlight of CreateAccess’ interview with Kareem Moore, a recent graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, who will intern as their Technical 3D Content Creator. Liz Dailey, Co-Founder and Executive Director, is excited about the partnership with Launchpad and especially about onboarding Kareem. She shares, “Kareem already has some experience with 3D creation tools, and seemed really enthusiastic about learning more. He also did a great job explaining complex technical concepts in beginner-friendly terms, a skill which is extremely important to CreateAccess’ efforts to provide beginners with exposure to 3D creation and help them build confidence to explore.” In this internship, Kareem will help develop and test educational materials that engage beginners in 3D creation.

Some of these companies are new to the Launchpad employer network while others have been close to us since our inception, showcasing their deep commitment to community engagement and partnerships. One such company is Seer Interactive who sponsored our first Ignite Pitch Competition in Summer 2023 and hosted our students for an onsite exposure. Annie Ermanis, Sr. Lead Talent Acquisition expresses, “as a B Corp Certified organization, supporting our community is a core value here at Seer Interactive, and we are thrilled to partner with Launchpad and contribute to the development of our interns through this program!” Seer will host two Launchpad interns this summer, Malek Aldali and Sianni Strickland, both graduates of Benjamin Franklin High School and certified entry level python programmers.

Another champion of Launchpad’s work, Elevate215 is also an internship host site. According to Haki Perry, CRM & School Support Specialist, “Elevate 215 and Launchpad have a shared belief that preparing our talented youth for the world of tomorrow requires exposing them to meaningful work and mentorship experiences. Our high school intern will gain insights into the equitable systems that provide access for students throughout Philadelphia. As a recent high school graduate, their perspective and personal experiences navigating the education system will be invaluable as we develop solutions with the intention to effectively address student challenges and support their success.” Through these collaborative efforts, Elevate215 and Launchpad are paving the way for a brighter future, where youth empowerment and equitable education solutions flourish.

To date, the following companies and organizations will host Launchpad interns:

• Seer Interactive – Innovation Intern; SEO Intern
• CreateAccess – Technical 3D Content Creator
• Bentley Systems – Web Application Development Intern
• Elevate215 – Data and Coding Intern
• PamPam – Frontend Web Developer Intern
• FamFrequency Productions – Online Curriculum Development Intern
• Accenture – Learning to Lead
• Building21 – Tech Intern
• City of Philadelphia Office of Reentry Services – Community Engagement Intern
• Self, Inc – Social Media Intern
• Kensington Soccer Club – Summer Communications Intern
• Center for Hope – Development Intern

One year from now, we are looking to triple this list to ensure that all students in Cohort 2 have meaningful work based experiences. Are you ready to join this list of community centered and innovative employers who are committed to making a lasting impact on the next generation of tech talent? Partner with Launchpad today to provide valuable internship opportunities that shape the future of our students and our community. Together, we can inspire and empower the leaders of tomorrow. Contact us now to explore how you can join our employer network!