As the new school year approaches, Monroe High School is excited to kick off another year of the LAUNCH program. Now entering its fourth year, LAUNCH is inviting local businesses and organizations to submit real-world projects for student teams to tackle.

With 76 juniors and seniors enrolled, and a new topic area added, the 2025—2026 LAUNCH program is set to be the most impactful yet. The program gives students the opportunity to apply what they’re learning in class to solve actual community and business challenges, and we’re looking for more partners to join us.

What Kinds of Projects Are We Looking For?

If your organization has important tasks that never seem to rise to the top of your to-do list, LAUNCH might be just the solution. Think about items 7 through 9 on your list (the ones that don’t get done because there’s not enough time, staff or data). A team of 3-5 students could spend 8 to 10 weeks making real progress.

Great LAUNCH projects are:

●  Real problems without obvious solutions

●  Doable in 8-10 weeks by a small team

●  Focused on problem-solving and creative thinking

●  Important, but not urgent

Examples include reviewing or analyzing data, brainstorming new marketing strategies, refreshing your digital presence or improving employee wellness. If it’s something that’s been on your mind but out of reach, it might be perfect for LAUNCH.

What’s the Commitment?

There’s no cost to participate. All we ask is that you or a team member serve as a project coach. Project coaches meet with students once a week (for about an hour) to provide feedback and direction. Meetings can be in-person or virtual, whichever works best for you.

Meet the 2025-2026 Strands

LAUNCH student teams specialize in one of six areas:

Business Analytics

Students use data to help businesses make informed decisions, improve operations and enhance customer experiences.

Media Solutions

Focused on marketing, students develop skills in graphic design, video, photography, website design and social media to help promote organizations and events.

Behavioral Health (2nd & 3rd trimester only)

Students research and design strategies to support mental health and community wellness.

Healthcare Solutions

Students combine CNA training with anatomy coursework and look for ways to support physical health, including planning a Respite Fun Day for families of children with medical disabilities.

Applied Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship (NEW!)

This strand blends hands-on skills like welding and machining to fabricate metal manufacturing projects for local businesses. Students will launch and run a fabrication business for local client projects.

Skilled Building Trades

These students are already committed to building a house with the Green County Development Corporation and will gain skills in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. No additional projects needed in this area this year.

Let’s Talk Ideas

If you have a project in mind, or just a rough idea, LAUNCH wants to hear from you. Contact Cara Carper at (608) 328-7573 or caracarper@monroe.k12.wi.us to get started. You can also find more details, examples and the application form on the School District of Monroe website under the high school academics LAUNCH tab.

Help shape the next generation of thinkers and doers while getting that project off your plate!

— Cara Carper is the School District of Monroe Student Occupation and Academic Readiness (SOAR) Coordinator. She can be reached at 

caracarper@monroe.k12.wi.us.