The Launchpad FELLOWSHIP Program

Career exploration, professional skill development, technical training, paid freelancing opportunities, internship and job placement assistance. Interested in exploring or pursuing a career in entertainment, sports or music? You’ve come to the right place.

learn. experience. work.

LaunchPad helps underserved young adults enter the sports, entertainment, and music industries. We provide the playbooks, access, and knowledge to help you get ready. And the professional skills and networks it takes to GET IN. LaunchPad is a completely free program made possible by our board, donors, and corporate partners.

LaunchPad Fellows

The LaunchPad Fellowship is a prestigious, year-long career development accelerator designed for young adults ready to work in the next 2 years, including right now. The Fellowship offers a unique blend of experiential learning, skill-building, and real-world career exposure—culminating in a powerful springboard to gigs, internships, and full-time roles. Fellows may participate in up to two cohorts. Fellows:

  • Attend most LaunchPad events and programs including site visits, professional networking, career accelerator services, mock interviews, and more

  • Participate in workshops, competitions, and training exercises

  • Build a portfolio and gain professional experience including a marquee portfolio project through paid freelancing and internships

  • Receive one-on-one coaching and mentoring and develop direct, professional relationships in their industry

  • May participate in LaunchPad Studios and additional professional opportunities

FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION

LaunchPad Alumni

LaunchPad’s fellows become alumni upon successful completion of at least one cohort (1-year). Alumni are encourage to attend events to continue building their careers and become coaches and mentors themselves. For up to two years after becoming an alumni, fellows may continue to receive direct coaching and job placement assistance.

FAQ

  • “Underserved” means that the applicant is currently facing one or more of the following qualifying socioeconomic circumstances for the majority of the last 5+ years.

    • Pending or actual loss of housing

    • Food insecurity

    • One or both parents did not obtain a bachelors degree

    • Awarded a financial need-based scholarship by an accredited institution or agency

    • Family's or individual’s household income is below a living wage while living there or in school full time, as defined by https://livingwage.mit.edu

  • Yes. 18-24 years old is LaunchPad’s desired service area, but each application is reviewed on its own merit and acceptance is determined considering all factors.

  • Yes, multiple applications are encouraged.

  • LaunchPad’s program committee, consisting of staff and Board members, reviews all applications. After determining eligibility, the committee selects up to 200 fellows per year, per region.