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L.A.U.N.C.H

Learn, Aspire, Understand, Navigate, Connect, and Highlight

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.

*SUMMER 2025 LAUNCH APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED.*

Who should apply?

Any 10th and 11th 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 are open NOW!

Are you a company interested in hosting an industry tour?

Industry tours provide our high school participants with the opportunity to visit companies, explore career pathways, and gain firsthand insight into the STEM workforce! Each cohort takes place throughout July, with this year’s program starting on Monday, July 7th, 2025. Companies that host a tour should expect to welcome approximately 25 students during their visit for a 2-hour period.

Previous industry tour locations include:

  • Magee-Women’s Research Institute
  • Bally Design
  • GetBlok Farms
  • Lipstyck Lab
  • Gecko Robotics
  • The Pittsburgh Opera
  • CCAC - Pittsburgh Knights
  • Moonshot Museum

INDUSTRY TOUR APPLICATION

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

As a female or female-identifying professional working in a STEM organization, we invite you to mentor the young women of L.A.U.N.C.H. and encourage them to pursue an active role in the future of STEM. Your commitment can be anywhere from 2-16 hours of volunteer time per cohort, spread out over 4-16 weeks, depending on your level of involvement. As a L.A.U.N.C.H. mentor, you'll have the chance to: 

  • Inspire and empower young girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations
  • Share your expertise, insights, and experiences to help them navigate their career paths
  • Foster meaningful connections that can last a lifetime
  • Make a positive impact on the future of our community and workforce

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

Interested in mentoring? Contact Rafalene Costanza at rcostanza@pghtech.org.

 

 

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