Student LaunchPad FAQ

Check out the Program Overview document.

No, each student must submit an individual LaunchPad proposal. More than one student may work at a LaunchPad site (e.g., bio lab or software company), but they must submit individual proposals and do individual presentations at the Intensives Showcase.

If a student’s project has production needs that can only be met by working at the student’s home (studio, materials, etc.), then yes. Such accommodations must be included in their LaunchPad Work Plan and approved by the LaunchPad coordinators. Otherwise, no.

No. One of the goals of LaunchPad is to build work relationships with people not already in your family. However, your family member may be quite useful in helping you identify a project mentor or site host.

No. While hard work and personal growth are their own forms of reward, by federal law you cannot get paid for LaunchPad work. Likewise, certification or for-credit courses are usually not “student-designed,” and do not meet the LaunchPad criteria.

Yes. Such plans must be included in their LaunchPad Work Plan and approved by the LaunchPad coordinators.

No. The expectation is that all students must return to their homes at the end of each day during LaunchPad.

The school’s first obligation is to your safety. The second is to ensure that you have a quality learning experience during this school activity. If you have a project that pushes against these guidelines, you may discuss your project with the LaunchPad coordinators as early as possible to determine if you will be granted an exception.