The Creative Sector Pathway Program (CSPP) is a free, hands-on initiative that helps youth and young adults ages 13–24 gain creative, technical, and professional skills while building confidence and independence. LaunchSpace welcomes participants of all identities and backgrounds, especially those who may feel disconnected from traditional education or employment. Our inclusive environment ensures equal access for all participants, including individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, and others who may face barriers to education or employment.
CSPP offers three connected pathways—Discover, Engage, and Launch—that guide participants from exploration to employment. Discover introduces hands-on creative experiences and foundational maker skills; Engage builds real-world knowledge through workforce training and apprenticeships; and Launch supports emerging entrepreneurs ready to develop their own creative businesses. Together, these pathways help young people find direction, build community, and create meaningful futures in the creative sector.
The Apprenticeship Program pairs participants with experienced mentors for immersive, project-based learning in the studio of their choice. Over several months, apprentices refine technical and creative skills, develop product lines, and gain experience bringing their work to market through curated sales and exhibition opportunities. LaunchSpace also recognizes achievement through its Digital Badge Program, offering secure, verifiable micro-credentials that showcase participants’ skills and accomplishments. These digital badges can be shared on résumés, professional profiles, and social media, helping participants demonstrate their growth, readiness, and connection to LaunchSpace’s creative community.
Discover
Explore Opportunities in the Creative Workforce
Designed for ages 13–15, Discover is a program where curiosity leads the way. This is where young creatives begin their journey, experimenting with a wide range of tools, materials, and techniques at the intersection of art, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Students engage in hands-on learning with open studio hours, exploring creative careers in a supportive and exciting environment. Through this process, they begin building confidence, technical skills, and creative voice, all while learning how their passions can lead to real opportunities in the future.
After-school Program
October – May
Engage
TRAIN. EXPLORE. Apprentice
The Engage Program prepares youth ages 16–24 for careers in the creative sector through hands-on training, workforce development, and apprenticeships supported by strong community partnerships. Participants build technical skills, creative confidence, and professional readiness for long-term economic mobility.
The program includes two phases—Training & Exploration and Apprenticeship Placement. During Training & Exploration, students spend one full day per week in experiential learning focused on tools, techniques, and entrepreneurship, supported by collaborations with higher education and industry partners.
September – June
&
January – December
Engage-Culinary
TRAIN. EXPLORE. APPRENTICE
The Engage Culinary Program prepares youth ages 16–24for careers in food and hospitality through hands-on culinary training, workforce development, and apprenticeships with community partners. Participants gain real-world kitchen experience while building technical skills, confidence, and career readiness.
The program includes two phases—Training & Exploration and Apprenticeship Placement. During Training & Exploration, students spend one day per week learning culinary techniques, food safety, menu planning, and entrepreneurship alongside local chefs, restaurants, and education partners.
September – June
Launch
TURN IDEAS INTO INCOME
The Launch Program is a six-month, paid workforce training initiative that prepares participants ages 18+ for success across industries. Through hands-on learning, participants gain real-world experience in entrepreneurship, business operations, and professional skill-building to thrive with confidence and independence.
Unlike traditional training models, Launch places participants in leadership roles where they run real micro-enterprises—designing, producing, and selling their own products or services. This immersive experience builds adaptable, career-ready skills for employment, self-employment, and long-term growth.
January – June
Looking for more information? Contact Sid Nordstrom, Program & Membership Director at:
Email: sid@launchspace-orange.com
Phone: 978-633-5131 Ext. 102