L.A.U.N.C.H

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 professionals in STEM as mentors, guest speakers on personal brand, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and more! They will go on a series of STEM based industry tours, build peer and professional networks, and 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 2-week summer cohort.

Who should apply?

Any 11th and 12th grade students with an interest in STEM or the desire to find their ideal career pathway.

When are the cohorts?

Every summer there are 2 cohorts where participants meet in person Monday through Friday for 2 weeks each. Students will engage in a series of hands-on activities and complete a final project surrounding problem-solving solutions for a STEM company.

Dates of the two cohorts will be released in Fall 2025.

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 in Fall 2025!

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 the summer. Companies that host a tour should expect to welcome approximately 15 students during their visit for a 2-hour period.

Previous industry tour locations include:

• Magee-Women’s Research Institute
• Bally Design
• GetBlok Farms
• Gecko Robotics
• The Pittsburgh Opera
• CCAC - Pittsburgh Knights
• Moonshot Museum
• University of Pittsburgh Athletics Department
• Deeplocal
• Forge Print Shop
• Touchstone Research Labs

INDUSTRY TOUR APPLICATION

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

As a professional working in a STEM organization, we invite you to mentor the participants 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 2-16 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 students 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!

Applications for 2026 cohort mentors open Fall 2025!

Questions? Contact Rafalene Costanza at rcostanza@pghtech.org.