About
About LAUNCH
In 2014, the College LAUNCH for Leadership Program was founded on the pillars of college preparation, social consciousness, and leadership development. By exposing our Scholars to various careers and conversations pertaining to academic excellence, equitable rights, and influential leadership they will be equipped to serve humanity as they pursue their individual goals. The program is delivered via monthly Saturday Summits from September to May, in addition to ongoing impactful mentorship and guidance for all Scholars and Alumni.
Wake Forest University’s Pre-College Programs allows high school students the opportunity to explore their interests, pursue their passions, and experience Wake Forest University before college.
Our Mission
The College LAUNCH for Leadership Program uplifts students by preparing them for college, empowering their social consciousness, and developing skills for courageous leadership. By cultivating academic curiosity, Scholars discover their potential and impact their community as catalysts for change.
Our Mission to R.I.D.E.
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mission is to facilitate and foster a campus community that centers on inclusivity and belonging.
Our Vision to R.I.D.E.
- Cultivate Learning Opportunities that Foster Intersectional Awareness and Understanding
- Empower All Academic and Administrative Units to Become More Inclusive
- Champion Policies that Increase a Sense of Belonging
Pro Humanitate
Wake Forest University’s commitment to academic excellence; embrace of a relational and inclusive campus community; and partnerships in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Washington, D.C. and around the world are all in service of our motto: Pro Humanitate. Translated as “For Humanity,” Pro Humanitate calls upon the entire University community to engage in the fundamental questions about what it means to be human. It invites us to use our ideas, knowledge, talents and compassion on behalf of humanity in all its difference and diversity — in short, to be catalysts for good.
Saturday Summits
Monthly events where LAUNCH Scholars participate in college preparation workshops, community service, and develop their social justice advocacy skills.
A few Saturday Summits are special events such as MEDucation day, where Scholars participate in hands-on labs at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, and Discover Wake Forest Day where they’ll tour Wake Forest and attend a special admissions information session.
YPAR
Youth Participatory Action Research
As an active LAUNCH Scholar, students have the opportunity to choose a social justice issue they feel passionate about and work in groups to research and partner with local organizations to provide solutions to their issue.
Students present their YPAR projects at their LAUNCH graduation ceremony.
LAUNCH Alumni
The LAUNCH program supports an alumni network of over 550 students.
Alumni remain involved in the LAUNCH community while participating on YLEB as a mentor to current LAUNCH Scholars, speaking during alumni panels, and attending additional college prep workshops hosted by Pre-College staff.
College LAUNCH Next Steps
Prospective Students
Review the apply page to learn about application requirements and eligibility. The application for the 2025-2026 school year is open now.
Check out important dates, read the FAQ page, and inquire about the LAUNCH Program.
Current Scholars
Community Partners
Reach out to the LAUNCH Program Manager at collegelaunch@wfu.edu, for mentor & sponsorship opportunities.