LAUNCH Spring 2023 Cohort: Now Accepting Applications

High school girls in grades 10 and 11 are invited to apply for the Spring 2023 Cohort of Fortyx80 and the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s LAUNCH program. Participants will experience on-site visits to tech locations, meaningful interactions with mentors, and much more!

Prepare for STEM Careers

Hosted by Fortyx80 and the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the LAUNCH program helps transform the natural curiosity of high school girls (grades 10 and 11) into a voice of leadership in the STEM community. Participants gain insight into their leadership style, increase their confidence to pursue a career in STEM, and leave prepared to create positive changes in their chosen career path.

Who is eligible?

This program is open to high school girls in 10th or 11th grade who are interested in gaining career and leadership skills in the world of STEM. The application period is open through February 28, 2023. To apply, complete an online application today. Accepted applicants will be announced March 2, 2023.

What’s included in the program?

• Integration of the Janet Phan’s 5 Thriving Elements found in her book, Boldly You
• Utilizing the Birkman Method to focus interests and strengths into a career zone
• Meaningful engagement with women professionals in STEM as mentors and advisors
• Guest speakers on personal brand, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy
• STEM-based field trips customized to the interest of the cohort
• Building of both peer and professional networks
• Customized lessons aligned to the PA Career Education and Work standards
• A capstone project in the form of a plan for entrepreneurship or plan for advocacy with the integration of tech

Events & 2023 Timeline

• Retreat: In-Person at Point Park Rowland School of Business | Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center
  March 24 (6:00 – 9:00 p.m.), March 25 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), & March 26 (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
• Virtual Meetings
  April 4, April 11, April 18, & April 25 (7:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
• Field Trip & Job Shadow: Pittsburgh Technical College
  April 15 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
• Final Celebration: In-Person at Alloy 26
  May 16 (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.)

More Information

Questions about the program may be directed to Marie Pelloni, Director of Talent Attraction and STEM Development, at mpelloni@pghtech.org. For more information, visit the Pittsburgh Technology Council website. Or, for more tech news and opportunities, visit our News page.