Creative Sector Pathway

How We Do It:

Working with our dedicated Program Coordinator, each participant collaboratively develops an individual service plan identifying a step by step path to the achievement of creative skills, career and educational goals. The assessment includes questions about dreams and obstacles, educational background and goals, career background and goals, and health and wellness needs. Using this assessment tool, CSPP provides access to complete wrap around services for participants utilizing our coalition of community partners and develops and implements individualized plans.

CSPP is divided into distinct pieces: Training and Exploration and Apprenticeship/Internship placement and takes place over two semesters over the course of a year.

During the first semester of the program, all CSPP participants attend five hours per week of hands-on experiential education in tools and machine training and entrepreneurship to prepare them for creative workforce opportunities or business launches. During the training and exploration phase, participants work to mastery in specific shops and are offered facilitated out of class time using their LaunchSpace memberships to immerse themselves in our 13,000 sq.ft. facility. LaunchSpace encourages all participants to use this time to pursue their passion, deepen their techniques, and find their unique voice.

Woven into hands on skills development are specially curated life skills and business incubation workshops through our partners, Including:

• Personal Financial Literacy
• Business Financial Literacy
• Digital Literacy
• Lean Canvas/business planning
• Entrepreneurial thinking
• Leadership/civic engagement
• Social Media and Marketing
• Career/College Exploration
• Secondary and PostSecondary success
• Work-Based Learning
• Identifying Goals and Overcoming Obstacles
• Academic Coaching
• Credit Recovery
• HiSet Tutoring
• Fundamental literacy and numeracy skills
• Social Emotional Learning
• Entrepreneurship
• 1:1 small business coaching
• Health and Wellness

CSPP includes a badge and certificate system, in which once certification is obtained, our innovative model matches students with apprenticeship or paid internship opportunities. All badges are verifiable and quantifiable across businesses and build foundational to mastery skills in each area. All training, workshops, apprenticeships and internships are located in the Orange Innovation Center alleviating barriers due to transportation. With nineteen small businesses inside LaunchSpace and fifty small businesses in the Orange Innovation Center students have a variety of internship opportunities in the Creative Sector, Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare and Social Service, Education, and Information Technology.

Want to know more?

For more information contact our Program & Membership Director,
Sid Nordstrom at [email protected]

Creative Sector DISCOVER Program

At LaunchSpace, we are committed to empowering young minds and helping them forge their future through hands-on education, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Our Creative Sector Pathway: DISCOVER Program (CSDP) is designed for youth ages 12-15 who are ready to explore the exciting intersection of art, technology, and entrepreneurship in a supportive, inclusive environment.

About the Program

The DISCOVER Program is tailored for students in Western and Central Massachusetts, offering a unique opportunity to develop valuable skills in creative sectors while gaining practical entrepreneurial experience. Participants will have access to 13,000 square feet of studio space at LaunchSpace, equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology.

Program Structure

The DISCOVER Program is divided into two phases:

Training and Discovery Phase

Students will receive expert training in a variety of workshops, mastering tools and techniques. This phase encourages students to pursue their individual passions, deepen their craft, and find their creative voice. Integrated into every session are essential life skills such as:

• Entrepreneurial thinking
• Vision development
• Financial literacy
• Leadership and community engagement

Apprenticeship and Junior Stewardship

In the second phase, students will have the chance to apply their skills through apprenticeship opportunities or by taking on Junior Steward roles. These opportunities allow students to work with mentors and professionals in creative fields, further refining their talents and learning essential workforce skills.

Certification and Digital Badges

Upon completing the program, students will earn certifications and digital badges. These badges provide tangible evidence of the entrepreneurial mindset and technical skills they have developed, which can be shared with potential employers or included in future college applications.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome all youth ages 12-15 from Western and Central Massachusetts. The program is especially focused on serving students who may be disengaged or disconnected from traditional education systems. At LaunchSpace, we believe in equity and inclusion, and our programs are designed to help all students overcome barriers to participation.

For more information contact our
Program & Membership Director,
Sid Nordstrom at
[email protected]