Launch

Precollege labs

WEEK 1 (CALIFORNIA): MONDAY AUG 4 – FRIDAY AUG 8, 2025

WEEK 2 (LONDON): MONDAY AUG 25 – FRIDAY AUG 29, 2025

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Launch's Mission

Launch Academy is part college prep camp, part leadership/entrepreneurship workshop, and part personal development experience. The week provides students with the tools necessary to be successful in finding and gaining admissions to the right-fit college and creating a path to achieve their life and career goals

About Launch

Launch is built around workshops that are fun, informative and interactive.

Prepare for college exams

Work with talented tutors who help you customize your test taking approach to suit your strengths.

Find your right-fit college

We personalize the college application process for your passions, goals and strengths.

Complete your essays

Work with writing coaches to finish your college application essay before your summer is over.

Network

Meet other high-achieving students from around the world and make life-long friends.

Learn from doers

Learn from some of the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who give educational and inspirational talks.

Relax

With everything you complete at Launch, you’ll head into the fall with peace-of-mind.

*LAUNCH will be held at UCSC and London in 2025.

Register for Launch

Launch Session 1

Monday, August 4 – Friday, Aug 8th, 2025

UCSC

$3,495

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Launch Session 2

Monday, August 25 – Friday, August 29, 2025

NORTHEASTERN LONDON

£2995+VAT

Register Now

FAQs

  • What is Launch Academy?

    Launch is a five-day, four-night summer academy for high school students that aims to prepare their hearts and minds for the next step in their educational journey. Our expert instructors spend a week preparing students to take standardized tests, helping them with college essays, and improving their understanding of advanced academic subjects.


    But it’s not just schoolwork. We also aim to inspire and light a fire under the students. The incredible roster of guest speakers we bring in gives diverse perspectives on success, education, and blazing your own path in life. The experiences, lessons, and perspectives presented are invaluable to students who are about to begin their journey as adults.


    And don’t worry – we have some fun too. We go to the beach, host scavenger hunts, hold morning yoga classes, and hike nearby parks.


    Many of our students finish the week having essentially completed their college applications. Some discover a passion they never knew they had. All make new friends and are better prepared for the upcoming school year.

  • What’s a typical day like at Launch?

    7:00 AM: Wake Up Call / Optional Morning Workout


    8:00 AM: Breakfast / Student Check-in with Team Leaders


    9:00 AM: Morning Academic Session. This could be any of the following:

    • ACT/SAT Prep Classes
    • College Interview Practice
    • College Search Guidance
    • Personal Statement/College Essay Workshops

    11:00 AM: Morning Break & Snack


    11:15 AM: Guest Speaker


    12:30 PM: Lunch


    1:30 PM: Santa Cruz – Free Time


    3:00 PM: Back on Campus: Meet with mentor groups (coffee and tea available)


    3:30 PM: Afternoon Academic Session. This could include any of the following:

    • ACT/SAT Prep Classes
    • College Interview Practice
    • College Search Guidance
    • Personal Statement/College Essay Workshops

    5:30 PM: Dinner Served


    6:45 PM: Guest Speaker/College Application Essay Work


    8:00 PM: College Prep Bootcamp with CEO/Founder Billy Downing


    10:00 PM: Wrap up academic sessions

  • What are the accommodations like?

    Students stay two-or-three to a room. Sheets, pillows, a light blanket, and towels are provided. You are welcome to bring any additional bedding if you would like.


    Students are provided with 3 delicious meals a day, plus we provide snacks and late-night pizza and ice cream. No one goes hungry! All special dietary requirements are easily accommodated.

  • When and where should my child arrive/depart?

    UCSC Information: Camp will begin Monday at 11 am at UCSC College Nine. Students flying in should land at San Jose Airport and await a LAUNCH team member to pick them up at a predetermined location and time. Shuttles will transport students from SJC to UCSC between 8 am and 12 pm.


    Students driving should arrive on campus between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to ensure they find parking and get situated. For students driving, please use 702 College Nine Rd Santa Cruz, CA 95064 as the address to drive to.


    Camp ends Friday at 4 p.m. Students can leave after check-out and final goodbyes. Flights home should be planned out of the San Jose Airport on Friday afternoon. Shuttles will transport students to the airport between 12 and 5 pm. Friday.

  • What should my child pack/bring with them?

    Here is a list of recommended things to bring to camp:


    Comfortable clothes for both cool and hot weather. Temperatures fluctuate significantly between mornings and evenings and the hottest times of the day.

    Athletic shoes for hiking and our optional workouts each morning. Comfortable shoes/sandals that can be worn for long periods of time during the day.

    Personal Toiletries.

    Any additional bedding you would like.

    Bathing suit/beach towel for our beach trips.

    Sunscreen.

    Laptop (required).

    Calculator.

    If you have any of the following: personal statement drafts, letters of recommendation, resume, list of achievements, test scores (PSAT, ACT, SAT, AP Subject Test Scores)

  • What is the cancellation policy?

    We understand that circumstances can change, so families will receive a 100% refund if they cancel on or before May 31, 2025, and a 50% refund before June 30, 2025. Any cancelations on or after July 1, 2025 are non-refundable.

Student Testimonials

I came in with a rough draft of my personal statement, and now I'm leaving with first drafts of all my supplements and a finished personal statement. The mentors were extremely helpful and my week was very productive. I feel very ahead of the game and prepared for the rest of my college application process!

Michael B.

Before I came to Launch, I had no idea what a personal statement or activity essay was. I had no idea how to make a resume either. Now, I feel way ahead of my class.

Olivia S.

Launch Academy was the most beneficial experience of my summer and helped me get more done in one week than I had with any other activity in regards to writing my essays, creating connections, and preparing for the tests. Billy Downing's leadership and excellent staff did a commendable job.

Owen P.

Have questions about Launch?

Chat with a member of our team.

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