Launchpad

Launching Young Adults into Purpose, Power, and Possibility

Launchpad is a transformational workforce readiness program that
provides a starting point for mastering life skills beyond the classroom. The program equips
learners with the real-world skills that are needed to become a change agent in their life, work, and community. The sessions allow learners to explore tools to manage a household, build a career, explore entrepreneurship, implement self-care, and establish goal setting. Launchpad gives you the tools to launch into adulthood with confidence, clarity, and control.

Launchpad’s activities are aligned with its four core pillars:
 Educational & Career Support
 LifeSkills Development
 Mentorship
 Community Engagement

Mission

The O.A.T. Collective’s mission is to prepare young adults for successful, selfdirected futures by delivering a transformational workforcereadiness program grounded in realworld learning. Through our four pillars—Educational & Career Support, LifeSkills Development, Mentorship, and Community Engagement—we empower participants to build the competencies needed for adulthood.

Event Date

January- May Cohort. Monthly Sessions. (5- sessions)
Mini- Summer Cohort (July- August). (5- sessions)

Event Location

5127 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Ste 105, Norfolk, Virginia 23502. The program activities are held in the “Launchpad Lab”.

Target Audience

Youth and young adults aged 16-24 that reside in Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk.

Staffing:

Program director and admin assistant. Volunteer educators, mentors, & support staff.

Enrollment Capacity:

o Regular program = up to 30 participants.
o Mini-Summer Cohort= up to 30 participants.

Launchpad Experience

Key Activities

Monthly Skill-Building Sessions

Monthly in-person/virtual workshops based on program curriculum. (70% in-person, 30% virtual) (With exception to the mini-summer cohort)

Mentorship Connection

Pairing learners with volunteer mentors who provide goal accountability, guidance, support, and encouragement.

Community Engagement Projects

Learners will organize a community engagement project that contribute positively to their communities.

Affirmations & Journaling

Fosters a mindset reset at the beginning of each session.

Utilize Local Public Transportation

Learner will independently use public transportation to travel to and from the Launchpad program. Reliable transportation increases program attendance, builds independence, and strengthens real-world life skills.

Enrollment into Local Academic & Workforce Training Programs

Participants will be linked with a desired local academic or workforce training program for enrollment. Participants will receive hands-on enrollment and financial aid support as a collaborative effort with partner schools and training programs.

Your Journey Starts Here

Whether you're looking to support the mission or become part of the next Launchpad cohort, together we can create opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities.

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