Launchpad Philly

💡 Associate Spotlight 💡 We are incredibly proud of Launchpad Associate Sianni Strickland's recent blog post for Seer Interactive. Following her internship this summer, Sianni wanted to share some pointers for future interns including: -Landing a great internship -Prepping for interviews -Making the most of your experience Our associates are not only immersing themselves in meaningful, hands-on work experiences, but they are also stepping up to share their insights and strategies to help future technologists thrive in their internships. This commitment fosters a culture of knowledge sharing that empowers the next generation of innovators. It’s truly inspiring to see them take the lead, demonstrating their expertise while building a supportive community. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all technologists! Take a few minutes to read Sianni's post here: https://lnkd.in/eAUWUrd6

We had a fantastic time last Friday at the 1Philadelphia Innovation Summit as part of #IWphl24. Launchpad Associates and students were able to network with tech professionals from across the country, attend valuable sessions on skills-based hiring, the power of continuous learning, and the impact AI will have on the tech economy of tomorrow. On top of networking with working professionals, we also had a great time meeting some of We Love Philly 's pre-apprentices! So many people to thank but special shout out to Danae Mobley and Damon McWhite for providing discounted tickets and allowing our associates to attend this incredible event and a huge shout out to all of the speakers and folks who shared insights and wisdom with our young people!! #launchpadphilly

I’m proud to share that I’ve obtained the PCEP certification from Python Institute during Launchpad’s accelerated summer course “Lightspeed” 🚀

The 1Philadelphia Innovation Awards are tonight, and we’re honored to be recognized for our work in supporting the next generation of technologists! 🎉 Our team and students will be there tonight and tomorrow—come say hi and learn about the journeys our students have been on so far! #launchpadphilly #1phl

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to C2L and its partners for this transformative program that's making a tangible impact in our community! I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the positive influence of C2L on young lives, including the Launchpad Philly students and two teens in my own household. Seeing them thrive in a supportive environment, exploring careers, developing essential skills, and earning their own money has been truly inspiring. (Now if I can just get the Austin teens to stay out of my pockets next summer 😂…) Programs like C2L, and its network of partners, are crucial in our city because they are providing a safe space for young people to discover their passions, build confidence, and gain valuable experience. Thank you, Career Connected Learning PHL, and partners, for your dedication to creating opportunities that matter. #launchpadphilly #careerconnectedlearning

📢 Applications for our 3rd Cohort close on November 3rd! 📢 Do you know any 11th or 12th graders in Philadelphia who are passionate about tech? We're currently accepting applications for our next cohort! Launchpad is a 2.5-year paid program ($18,000 over the duration) that equips students with essential coding skills, work-ready soft skills, industry certifications, and up to 30 college credits. Students will graduate from our program with proficiency in Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and full-stack web development. Don't miss this incredible opportunity for young tech talent in Philly! Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/dW47YRaA #launchpadphilly #TechEducation #PhiladelphiaTech

🤖 AI is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, creating both challenges and opportunities. At Launchpad, we’re ensuring underrepresented high school students are ready for the high-paying tech jobs of tomorrow by focusing on both technical and durable skills like critical thinking and collaboration. Our recent tour with 40+ tech leaders confirmed the need for an agile, evolving curriculum and a commitment to lifelong learning to keep up with rapid advancements in AI. Check out this blog from Rob Thomas, our VP of Tech Instruction, to find out more about how we’re preparing the next generation for the future of work.

🎉 We are excited to welcome Sianna McKinley as our new Strategic Partnerships Director! 🎉 A connector and mentor, she’s passionate about helping young professionals launch their careers. With a strong background in Business Development, especially in technical education and talent acquisition, Sianna has been key in driving growth for small to midsize companies through impactful partnerships. Her own experience growing up in a single-parent home and moving often has inspired her dedication to providing work-ready skills and mentorship. Sianna is committed to Launchpad’s mission of empowering youth for the future of work. Outside of work, she mentors youth in her church and trains for triathlons with her husband and is a proud Navy and Air Force mom of two adult sons. In addition to her role here, Sianna is also a speaker, entrepreneur, and coach with Pivot Connections. She brings creative energy to her work as a voice-over artist with a BFA in Theatre from UARTS. As a Working Genius consultant, she helps others unlock their potential and pivot with purpose. "I'm excited to join such a dynamic team to build new partnerships in the business community and grow Launchpad’s impact!" #launchpadphilly

Representatives from PA Youth Vote came to Launchpad to talk to our students about the power of voting and their civic duty. They also led an informative session to dive deeper into the importance of participating in elections. As part of the session, students took part in an interactive activity where they stood up if certain statements applied to them. One thought-provoking question was, "Have you ever heard someone say, 'My vote doesn’t count' or 'It won’t matter if I vote'?" The discussion continued with conversations about what influences people's perceptions of voting—factors like family, social media, peers, and culture. The group emphasized why voting is critical, including reasons such as caring about issues, driving systematic changes, fostering representative democracy, and recognizing that "no vote = no voice." Students also learned about the differences between primary and general elections, how to vote, and where to find nonpartisan information on candidates. A huge thank you to Elijah J Neal, Sarah Black, Kamryn Davis, and Dy'Meir Foreman from PA Youth Vote for leading this important discussion! #launchpadphilly #payouthvote #CivicEngagement #VoteMatters

The Next Gen Award celebrates an organization or program that has made significant strides in empowering young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in tech. Join us in supporting these nominees and get your tickets for the 1PHL Innovation Awards on October 24th: https://bit.ly/3X8coSu Launchpad Philly Firsthand (University City Science Center) Urban Technology Project Urban Youth Racing School We Love Philly #IWphl24 #InnovationWeekendPHL #1Philadelphia #1PHLtech #PhillyTech #TechCommunity #PhillyEvents