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STEM Journey: Launch

Career-connected STEM experiences for Grades 10–12 that combine internships, mentorship, and postsecondary preparation to help youth transition into STEM education and careers.

*Yearly cohort registration windows opens as early as March and September

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Four students in science-themed activities represent stages: Middle, Jr. High, Sr. High School, and Post-Secondary.

Program Overview

Launch supports youth in Grades 10–12 as they transition from learning to leading through career-connected STEM experiences. Participants gain real-world experience through paid internships, mentorship, and project-based placements that strengthen professional skills and confidence. Many participants enter Launch during the summer between Grades 10 and 11 as they begin job-shadowing and career preparation experiences.

The program also provides career coaching, portfolio development, and postsecondary preparation, including scholarship guidance and application support. Launch helps youth build networks, explore STEM career pathways, and prepare for successful transitions into postsecondary education and early career opportunities.

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Program Registration Dates

Applications typically open in the spring, as early as March, with most registration taking place between April and May.

If no programs are listed, the application window may not be open yet. Please check back regularly for updates.

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What To Expect

Paid internships and work-integrated learning placements in STEM fields.

Career development and mentorship from industry professionals and STEM leaders.

Networking events, career panels, and exposure to emerging STEM sectors.

Scholarship guidance and support preparing for postsecondary education.

What Participants are Saying

Three students stand outdoors, one wearing a camo hoodie, looking thoughtful, with a building in the background.

“The program made me feel more confident about pursuing a STEM career. Hearing from professionals and learning about real experiences showed me that success is possible with hard work and passion.”

Launch Participant

A woman in a black hijab writes on a whiteboard while others watch in a classroom setting.

“I learned that coding is something I am actually interested in. Before my internship I never wanted to learn about coding because I was scared that it was super difficult, but now I really like it.”

Launch Participant

A person with glasses points enthusiastically to a science fair project display with charts and diagrams.

“I really enjoyed working in the lab for the first time because it gave me practice with real experiments and made me feel prepared for future studies.”

Launch Participant

Young woman with long dark hair and glasses, wearing a white shirt and maroon cardigan, smiling slightly.

“The program has boosted my confidence by providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to real-world STEM challenges. It showed me that I may belong in this field. I now feel more prepared and motivated to pursue a successful STEM career.”

Launch Participant

Program FAQs

Common questions from youth and families interested in STEM Journey: Launch.

Who can participate in Launch?

Is there a cost to participate in this program?

Participation in this program is offered at no cost. Through partnerships with specific communities, programs are designed to provide depth of support, consistency, and meaningful long-term impact. We intentionally remove financial barriers so participants can fully access these experiences and focus on building skills, confidence, and pathways into STEM, with additional supports provided where needed.

What types of internships are available?

Are internships paid?

When do youth usually join a STEM Journey program?

Many STEM Journey programs begin during the summer months. Youth often join programs during the summer between school grades (for example, the summer between Grades 7 and 8). Because of this, grade ranges on program pages reflect the stages youth participate in throughout the program, not just the grade when they first apply.]

Applications for summer cohorts usually open in the spring, as early as March, with most registration windows taking place between April and May.

If you do not see a program currently listed, it likely means the application window is not open yet. Please check back regularly for updates.

Apply for Launch

Gain internship experience, mentorship, and career preparation in STEM.

Two young men in lab coats and goggles stand smiling in front of a large STEM sign, holding a beaker.

STEM Journey: Launch

Program Overview

Program Registration Dates

What To Expect

What Participants are Saying

Program FAQs

Who can participate in Launch?

Is there a cost to participate in this program?

What types of internships are available?

Are internships paid?

When do youth usually join a STEM Journey program?

Apply for Launch

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