On December 10th, Launchpad hosted an inspiring Community Night Celebration to honor our third—and largest—cohort of 96 students. With over 200 guests in attendance, the event took place at our headquarters at 801 Market Street, bringing together family, friends, community partners, and local supporters to celebrate the incredible journey of these future tech innovators. In a city where access to tech education is often limited, particularly in underrepresented communities, Launchpad is proud to be working in spaces where young people are typically left out of the conversation about the future of work. We are committed to providing these students with the skills and opportunities they need to be competitive in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
An Evening of Inspiration and Excitement
The atmosphere was electric. The excitement in the room was palpable as students, parents, and mentors gathered to celebrate the students’ hard work and resilience. For many of these young people, it was a moment that marked a significant milestone in their lives as they took their first step into the world of technology. Some students, passionate about technology for years, became emotional as they realized they finally had the opportunity to learn the skills needed to build a future in the tech industry—an opportunity made possible through Launchpad.
Community Night was more than just a celebration—it was a testament to the power of access, opportunity, and education. It underscored the importance of providing historically underrepresented students with the resources and training needed to thrive in the tech industry.
One student shared, “I am so grateful for this opportunity, thank you and thank you to all of Launchpad, I can’t wait.” This sentiment was echoed by many, as the pride and excitement were contagious throughout the evening.
A Look Inside the Launchpad Program
Launchpad prepares Philadelphia high school students from traditionally underresourced and underrepresented communities for high-paying careers in tech through an accelerated pathway. Our comprehensive 2.5-year program, starting midway through 11th grade, immerses students in over 2,000 hours of rigorous training, providing crucial software development skills, industry exposure, and real-world experience. Students can earn up to 30 college credits, industry-recognized certifications, and up to $18,000 in stipends. The program offers three stackable phases—Foundations, 101, and LiftOff—that can be completed sequentially or as standalone phases, giving students the flexibility to tailor their journey based on their current needs and postsecondary plans. Our goal is for students to secure tech roles with starting salaries of $50,000 or more and continue to grow in their careers, achieving higher-paying roles within 12 months of hiring.
The Recruitment Journey
This year, we embarked on one of our most ambitious recruitment cycles yet, connecting with over 1,000 high school juniors and seniors across Philadelphia. From this group, we received over 150 applications from passionate students eager to embark on their tech journeys. The selection process was both inspiring and challenging, as we read each application and heard firsthand the determination and drive of these young people.
In total, we interviewed 141 applicants over the course of nearly 50 hours. We focused on key traits such as communication, collaboration, persistence, and, of course, passion for technology. It was a rigorous but rewarding process, and we are thrilled to welcome our largest and most diverse cohort yet—96 students representing 28 schools and 34 zip codes.
The Future of Tech in Philadelphia
The third cohort of Launchpad students is a group of incredibly talented and driven individuals. They each bring unique skills, backgrounds, and experiences that will help shape the future of tech. These students embody the qualities necessary to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce, and we are excited to watch them grow, innovate, and lead in the years to come.
As one of our students’ grandparents shared that evening, “I am here because I want to support my grandson as he excels in life. It takes a village.” Another parent added, “I have never seen my child get so excited about anything before, so I just knew this was something special.”
The strong support network these students have—from family members to community partners—is a key part of what makes this program so powerful. It’s clear that these young people are not just ready to succeed—they’re ready to lead.
With this remarkable cohort stepping into the tech industry, the future of tech in Philadelphia has never looked brighter.
Looking Ahead
As Launchpad’s third cohort begins their tech journeys, we look ahead with optimism and excitement. These students are breaking down barriers to opportunity, proving that with access, education, and determination, anything is possible.
The future of the tech industry in Philadelphia is diverse, inclusive, and full of promise, and we couldn’t be prouder to play a role in shaping it.
Let’s go, Cohort 3!
Author
Dannyelle Austin currently serves as the Founding Executive Director of Launchpad. Dannyelle’s extensive experience working with youth has given her renowned expertise in youth development, education, college readiness, workforce training and, most importantly, the integration of trauma-informed methodologies throughout youth development practice. As the Executive Director of Launchpad, Dannyelle will continue to be a transformative leader and her strong belief in the power of innovative solutions will help young people connect with their bright futures.
