Summer Launchpad

The Summer Launchpad is where High-Tech Scholars are made!

Description

The Summer Launchpad provides an accelerated first-year experience for incoming Scholars to begin bonding with a group of their peers while gaining exposure to the academic expectations and vast support resources at SC. The purpose of this four-week long residential program is that it will help the Scholars prepare for a lifetime of ethical innovation and collaboration.

Program Goals

  • To develop technical, ethical, professional, and leadership skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
  • To develop a cohort mentality of interdependence and a sense of community
  • To familiarize with campus resources and develop healthful help-seeking behaviors
  • To develop strong self-efficacy and a growth mindset

Sample Workshops

Workshops present a great opportunity for Summer Launchpad participants to learn more about the academic expectations at USC and the tremendous wealth of resources available to help all Trojans thrive.

Technical Writing and Game Design

Learn the design thinking process and how to write technical information such as instructions while working collaboratively with a team.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Get an introduction to the hottest topics in AI and ML such as generative AI models (e.g., ChatGPT).

Student Success

Learn from USC administrators and faculty what it takes to succeed at USC and wherever you plan to go next.

THRIVE 101

An introduction to the core ways to support and regulate your personal well-being so that you maximize your ability to do your best.

Sample Activities

We engage our participants in a wide range of activities that support their individual and collective growth as a cohort. Activities are designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity, creativity, and team bonding.

  • Visit to the Natural History Museum
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Theme Park Visit
PHTS Cohort 1 posed in front of dinosaur bones at the Natural Museum.
PHTS Cohort 1 searching for clues at Brittingham Field.
PHTS Cohort 1 posed in front Universal Studios globe.

Sample Weekly Schedule

This sample schedule illustrates the Summer Launchpad’s typical weekday routine including a writing and design classes in the mornings, a workshop series in the afternoons, three meals, some flexible hours for personal well-being, and team meetings in the evenings.