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General

Where can I apply?

The application opens annually in early January. The 2024-2025 application will be open until August 1st, 2024. Students are encouraged to apply early as they are admitted on a rolling basis. If you would like to be sent application reminders please fill out this form.

Who is eligible to apply to the College LAUNCH for Leadership Program?

High school students (current sophomores) located in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, or the surrounding areas. Students participate in the program during their junior year of high school.

Do I have to live in Winston-Salem or Charlotte in order to participate in College LAUNCH?

Students from surrounding areas are welcome to apply, with the understanding that in-person attendance is required once a month at the Wake Forest main campus (for the Winston-Salem cohort) or the Wake Forest Charlotte campus (for the Charlotte cohort).

What are the application requirements?

Students must complete all sections of the application, including a copy of their high school transcripts, complete two short essays, and complete the online recommendation. When Scholars formally accept the offer to participate in College LAUNCH, they also agree to honor our attendance requirement. We expect Scholars to attend all nine Saturday Summits. Only one unexcused absence is permitted.

Can international students apply?

Yes, if they are enrolled in a domestic high school located in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, or the surrounding communities.

Can home-schooled students apply?

Yes! College-bound home-schooled students located in Charlotte, Winston-Salem or the surrounding communities can apply.

How long is the required personal statement?

The personal statement should be a minimum of two paragraphs and a maximum of one page.

Will there be a waitlist for students who want to participate in a cohort that has already been filled?

Yes, once a cohort is full students who apply after will be added to the waitlist. Students will be notified via email regarding waitlist status.

Will participating in College LAUNCH help me get into Wake Forest?

Our mission is to prepare our Scholars for college and career success, regardless of which higher education institution they choose to attend. College LAUNCH for Leadership is not a pipeline program to Wake Forest University. Participating in College LAUNCH does not guarantee that Scholars will be admitted into Wake Forest.

What measures is College LAUNCH taking to keep students and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Masks are optional during all LAUNCH events. Scholars who miss an event due to quarantining will not be penalized for their absence.

Please reach out to collegelaunch@wfu.edu with any questions related to these policies.


Parents

Is there a cost for the program?

The program is FREE for admitted students.

What are the requirements once my child is accepted into College LAUNCH?

Accepted Scholars will be required to submit the following forms: Registration form, Medical Authorization, Parent/Guardian Consent, and Code of Conduct. These forms can be found on the Student Slate Portal once the student has received their acceptance and registered for the program. Updated Covid-19 vaccination may also be required for accepted Scholars.

Once the program has begun, Scholars will be required to attend at least 8 out of 9 of the monthly Saturday Summits and submit their RSVPs to these events by the communicated deadlines.

In addition to attending monthly Saturday Summits, Scholars must complete monthly journal assignments, submit their quarterly report cards, and complete their “Youth Participatory Action Research Project.”

As a parent, am I obligated to participate in any of the Summits? And if so, what if I cannot attend?

Due to space capacity, parents/guardians are not able to attend Saturday Summits with their Scholars. The only exception to this is Discover Wake Forest Day, which is in partnership with the Wake Forest University Office of Undergraduate Admissions. More information will be shared about this with Scholars during our program.

How many family members can attend the Discover Wake Forest Day in Winston-Salem?

Due to space capacity, only one parent/guardian/family member can attend Discover Wake Forest Day with each Scholar.


Students

When does the program begin and end?

The program runs from September to May and meets one Saturday per month from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

What are the benefits of the program?

Our Scholars will complete a comprehensive curriculum focused on developing skills for academic, professional, and personal success. Scholars will receive training on effective writing and interview skills for the college admissions process. Our Scholars will have opportunities to connect directly with leaders, community members and industry professionals in multiple disciplines. Scholars will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

What if I cannot attend every session?

Scholars are expected to attend all nine Saturday Summits. With that being said, Scholars are allowed one absence in the event of an extenuating circumstance. If you anticipate missing a Saturday Summit, please reach out in advance to College LAUNCH for Leadership (email: collegelaunch@wfu.edu).
 
Please note that there are exceptions to our policy related to unavoidable and unforeseen emergencies (including those related to COVID-19 and those that are not). Please reach out to College LAUNCH (email: collegelaunch@wfu.edu) with any questions.

If I am accepted and decide not to attend, what should I do?

Acceptance into College LAUNCH is competitive and we do have a waiting list. If you have been accepted into College LAUNCH but are unable to fulfill the LAUNCH requirements, please contact (collegelaunch@wfu.edu) so that individuals from the waitlist can take advantage of this opportunity.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about the College LAUNCH for Leadership Program?

Please email all additional questions to collegelaunch@wfu.edu.