Monroe High School has embarked on an exciting partnership opportunity that can bring substantial benefits to local businesses and organizations. We are thrilled to promote LAUNCH, a groundbreaking initiative that integrates project-based learning with real-world challenges in our community. Through LAUNCH, junior and senior students will gain valuable skills in leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time/project management while working on projects that will directly benefit your business or organization.
What is LAUNCH, and How Can You Benefit?
LAUNCH is an innovative and collaborative classroom experience that empowers students to tackle real-world problems head-on. By participating in LAUNCH, students will take their classroom knowledge and apply it in real-life scenarios, guided by local business mentors. The focus is on project-based learning, where teams of 3-5 students, along with project coaches from businesses and nonprofits, will work together on diverse projects throughout the year.
As a business or organization, your involvement in LAUNCH is vital, and we assure you that your investment will not go unnoticed. The only cost to you is the time you spend assisting our students with your project. Project coaches play a pivotal role by providing direction, structuring efforts productively, and offering constructive feedback. The engagement typically involves approximately one hour per week for 8 to 10 weeks, and coaching can take place in-person, through online meetings, or at the Enterprise Center.
Areas of Expertise: Opportunities for Mutual Growth
We understand that you seek projects that offer a win-win situation for your organization and the students. That’s why we are proud to present four topic areas (known as Strands) for the 2023-2024 term:
Business Analytics
Our Business Analytics students are learning how to capture and analyze data to inform decision-making. They can assist your business with insights into product offerings, shipping efficiencies, and customer experience improvements, using cutting-edge tools and technologies.
Media Solutions
In the Media Solutions strand, students will develop their skills in graphic design, photography, videography, audio production, social media, and graphic web design. They will work closely with you to evaluate and recommend effective strategies for promoting your business and events.
Behavioral Health
Mental health and wellness are crucial aspects of our community, and the Behavioral Health strand is dedicated to designing innovative solutions. Students will investigate interventions related to mental health issues and create initiatives to promote well-being for individuals and the community.
Skilled Building Trades
The Skilled Building Trades strand is an opportunity to expose students to the world of light building construction. With hands-on learning in construction, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, our students will develop practical skills while contributing to a building project.
Seizing Opportunities: Project Criteria and Application
Your ideas for projects that align with LAUNCH’s mission are valuable to us. We encourage projects that meet the following criteria:
● Real-world importance but not the highest priority (items 7-9 on your to-do list)
● Problems/projects without existing solutions
● Authentic problem-solving and new idea development
● Projects that can be completed by a team of 3-5 students within 8-10 weeks
To explore project examples and submit a project application, please visit the Monroe High School website, www.monroeschools.com/schools/high/, and navigate to the LAUNCH tab.
A Path to Tomorrow’s Talent: The Future is Here
LAUNCH is more than just a partnership between Monroe High School, businesses, community organizations, and educators. It represents a glimpse into the future of education, where students are nurtured to become tomorrow’s highly skilled professionals. By engaging with LAUNCH, businesses like yours will have the chance to shape the talent of tomorrow.
The LAUNCH program will equip students with the essential ability to learn for themselves, ensuring they stay adaptable and resourceful in the dynamic landscape of the professional world. It is an investment in the unlocking and accessing of human potential, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Seize the Opportunity: Engage in LAUNCH Today!
We are incredibly excited about the potential that LAUNCH holds for our students and your organization. To embark on this journey of mutual growth, please submit your project application on the website. If you have questions, please reach out to Cara Carper at caracarper@monroe.k12.wi.us. Your support in LAUNCH is not just an investment in your business but a transformative experience for the talent of tomorrow.
— 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.
