We are on a mission to build accelerated pathways from high school to high paying tech careers.
Join us in empowering young people to meet their full potential.
Hear from Launchpad students*…
*Full disclosure: not all of our students’ names begin with the letter M.
Malek
“…I love that I can learn about technology and what it will be like to work in tech while still in high school.”
Maria
“I am very grateful to the program for giving me the tools to enrich my knowledge and grow as a person.”
Manora
“My mom is very proud of me for getting into a tech career.
…
This program is amazing.”
Other Ways to Give:
Donate by Mail
Please make your check payable to Building 21 and mail it to:
600 West Germantown Pike Ste 400-144
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
ATTN: Chip Linehan
Donor-Advised Funds, Stock, or Wire Transfer
Please email us at giving@b-21.org for details.
Why Launchpad?
The need for new pathways to good-paying jobs.
Only 25% of high school graduates from high poverty schools in the US will go on to get a college degree within six years, and this figure continues decline. Fewer than 8% of those students will get a degree in a STEM field. (National Student Clearinghouse)
The skills gap.
According to a recent Philadelphia Inquirer headline, “Philly employers are desperately seeking tech workers even as Silicon Valley giants are laying off thousands.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Lack of diversity and access.
While more than half of Philadelphia residents identify as Black or Latinx, only 9% of all tech workers identify as Black and 4% identify as Latinx. (CompTIA)
Other Ways to Get Involved:
Sponsor an Event
Sponsorship opportunities are available for Ignite: Turning Ideas Into Action, a pitch competition in the first stage of our program where students present ideas for tech enabled solutions to community problems.
Offer an Internship
Launchpad has many opportunities for internships and apprenticeships, starting as early as Summer 2024. We are looking for employers who can provide meaningful experiences in the software development field, especially Python-based placements.
Host an Industry Tour
By opening your doors to Launchpad students, you provide opportunities for them to experience workplace settings, meet folks in the tech industry, and get a better scope of the Philly tech landscape. In addition to feeling good about giving back to the community, you benefit by showcasing your company to prospective customers and future employees. If you are available to host a tour and an employee panel, we would love to visit!.
Share your Expertise
We welcome tech and tech-adjacent experts to share their knowledge and expertise with Launchpad students. We frequently host guest lecturers, workshops, and are always happy to collaborate on a learning experience with an industry professional.
Please email us at info@launchpadphilly.org for more information on all of these opportunities.
Launchpad is an initiative of Building 21. Building 21 is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. Our Federal Tax Identification Number is 47-2514219.
