K-12 STEM

L.A.U.N.C.H. Leadership in STEM Program

What is L.A.U.N.C.H.?

L.A.U.N.C.H. (Learn, Aspire, Understand, Navigate, Connect, and Highlight) is a FREE dynamic program designed to empower participants to stay on the course along their STEM pathway. This is done through meaningful engagement with women professionals in STEM as mentors and advisors, guest speakers on personal brand and entrepreneurship, STEM based industry tours, building of peer and professional networks, and opportunities to explore their potential in STEM career fields. All students get an hourly pay of $10 each day that they attend throughout the entirety of the 4-week summer cohort.

2025 L.A.U.N.C.H. APPLICATION

Who should apply?

Any 10^th and 11^th grade female identifying students with an interest in STEM or the desire to find their ideal career pathway.

*Please note that priority will be given to Pittsburgh Public School students

When are the cohorts?

Every summer during the month of July, participants meet in person Monday through Thursday for 4 weeks. Students will engage in a confidence building curriculum partnered with industry tours, guest speakers, one-on-one mentoring, building an entrepreneurial plan, and much more!

Throughout the rest of the year, all L.A.U.N.C.H. alumni will be invited to a series of events including mentor meetups, book club, and volunteer opportunities.

The L.A.U.N.C.H. confidence building curriculum is centered around 5 virtues:

Ready to become a leader in STEM? Applications open in 2025!

Are you a woman professional or company wanting to get involved with the L.A.U.N.C.H. program?

Together, let's inspire, empower, and L.A.U.N.C.H. the leaders of tomorrow!

MENTOR APPLICATION

Interested in hosting an industry tour?

Email Rafalene Costanza at rcostanza@pghtech.org.

Internship Program

Are you ready to take the first step towards your future career? Our Internship Program connects students with member companies looking to mentor and hire emerging talent. Through our program, students gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and explore potential career paths in a variety of industries.

By filling out the form below, you'll be matched with an interested member company based on your skills and the tasks they need. Please note that submitting a form does not guarantee placement, but it helps us connect you with the best opportunities available.

Fill out the form to get started on your internship journey!

Internship Form

STEM SUMMIT

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into STEM careers at Pittsburgh’s most innovative companies!

Students in grades 8-12 are invited to participate in this one-day event including tours, engage and ask questions with our region’s leaders, and discover the endless possibilities of a career in the STEM industry. Kicking off the morning begins a keynote speaker showcasing another glimpse into the world of technology, sending students into a day of discovery.

STEM Summit is an interactive experience as all students and industry professionals display their RIASEC codes to highlight individual strengths, interests, and passions. Students will discover similarities between them and the person working within their dream career.

Check out our last STEM Summit event!

STEM SUMMIT 2024
 

CS Explorers

Each summer the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and Fortyx80, partner with STEM Coding Lab for a computer science summer camp. Students grades 5-8 are invited to this FREE camp to learn how to code and apply their learnings to careers in computer science.

Industry and careers learned throughout the week include Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, UX/UI Design, Cybersecurity, Animation and Gaming, and Information Science.

Part of their day includes listening to an industry professional’s career story and engaging in a hands-on activity to better learn their field of work.

Are you an industry professional interested in speaking to the future of Pittsburgh’s talent?

Email Rafalene Costanza at rcostanza@pghtech.org.

Three Rivers Education Technology Conference

The Three Rivers educational Technology Conference (TRETC) is a day highlighting best practices around integrating technology into the classroom. This is a professional development opportunity for K-12 educators, guidance counselors, administrators, higher education and non-profit decision makers in the Pittsburgh region. TRETC includes opportunities to network with peers, engage in roundtable discussions on key educational issues, and choose from over 40 professional development sessions to inspire learning at the highest levels.

Questions about TRETC or interested in hosting the conference within your school district?

Email Marie Pelloni at mpelloni@pghtech.org.