K-12 STEM

L.A.U.N.C.H.

"When I dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." ~ Audre Lorde

The L.A.U.N.C.H. program transforms the natural curiosity of high school girls, in grades 10 and 11, into a voice of leadership in the STEM industry. Through our comprehensive program, high school girls will gain insight into their leadership style and be equipped with the confidence to pursue a successful career path in STEM. Through their engagement, our participants experience growth as leaders and exit the program prepared to create positive changes in their chosen career path.

L.A.U.N.C.H. Has Two Cohorts a Year:

• Spring (March to May)
• Fall (September to November)

There is no cost for program participation and all applicants earn a stipend upon completion.

Our Ladies of L.A.U.N.C.H. break biases, create confidence, step inside of industry, unlocks innovative spirit, and connects with female STEM role models. In each phase of L.A.U.N.C.H. (Learn, Aspire, Understand, Navigate Connect, and Highlight), the participants will gain a more solid foundation in each of the L.A.U.N.C.H. virtues: Live Intentionally, Harness Confidence, Build Connections, Be Solution-Driven, and Take Action.

Along With:

• 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: Advocacy Unleashed.

L.A.U.N.C.H. APPLICATION

MENTOR/ADVISOR/PANELIST APPLICATION

STEM SUMMIT

Step inside the most innovative companies in Pittsburgh! The 2024 STEM Summit is designed to showcase the diverse array of evolving STEM related careers that are available for our future workforce.

STEM SUMMIT 2024

We invite students, in grades 8-12 to engage with leaders across our innovation sector. Students will participate in tours and experiential learning opportunities to further explore and investigate the STEM industry. The STEM Summit will also feature a keynote speaker and exhibit tables hosted by several organizations.

What’s Your RIASEC? Conversations will be sparked by comparing the students and professionals RIASEC codes. The interactive experience of the STEM Summit will highlight how an individual’s strengths, interests, and passions can lead to multiple pathways to jobs in the tech industry! More information provided upon registration.

Agenda:

8:30 - 9:15 AM | Registration
9:15 - 9:45 AM | Welcome & Keynote Speaker
9:45 - 9:55 AM | Board busses for tours
10:15 - 12:45 PM | Tour stop one, lunch, Tour stop two
12:45 - 1:30 PM | Board busses to return
1:30 PM | Adjourn

CS Explorers

Every summer Pittsburgh Technology Council, and Fortyx80, partner with STEM Coding Lab for the CS Explorers summer camp. The goal is to provide middle school students (Grades 5-8) with a FREE opportunity to learn about careers in computer science, interact with industry professionals and visit tech companies throughout Pittsburgh.

• Get introduced to tech companies throughout the city
• Meet and interact with industry professionals weekly
• Engage in hands-on activities, focused on one of seven computer science themes: Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, UX/UI
• Design, Cybersecurity, Animation & Gaming, The Internet of Things, Information Science IT
• Take weekly field trips to some of the Pittsburgh region’s most innovative companies

Interested in volunteering for a STEM educational program? Contact Rafalene Costanza at rcostanza@pghtech.org.

Application opening soon!

Three Rivers Education Technology Conference

The Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference (TRETC) highlights best practices around the integration of educational technology into the classroom, making this the best opportunity for professional development for K-12 teachers, administrators, higher education and non-profit decision makers in the Pittsburgh region. TRETC allows you to network with peers, engage in roundtable discussions on key educational issues, and choose from over 40 professional development sessions to inspire learning at the highest levels.

Are you a school district that wants to be a host site? Email Marie Pelloni at mpelloni@pghtech.org.