Clayton State University has opened a new campus space for its Launchpad Leadership Academy, a program that provides scholarships, hands-on learning experiences, and workforce-ready certification for students in the field of technology. The new space, located at Room 329 in the James M. Baker University Center, was inaugurated on Thursday, January 25, 2024, with a ceremony attended by guest speakers, local politicians, and industry partners.
A place to network and learn
The Launchpad Leadership Academy, which was established in 2019, is an ecosystem of industry partners that offers four-year scholarships to students who are interested in pursuing careers in technology. The program also provides students with opportunities to work on real-world projects, attend workshops and seminars, and earn certifications from leading companies such as Google, Intuit, and Microsoft.
The new campus space, which was designed by Genesis Polo, the executive assistant to the dean of Clayton State’s College of Information and Mathematical Sciences (CIMS), aims to create a comfortable and professional environment for students to network and learn from industry experts. The space features a living room area with sofas and chairs, a restaurant-style area with high-top tables and stools, a conference room for in-person and virtual meetings, and a studio room for industry partners to interact and collaborate with students.
Polo said that the new space is unique on campus and will help students feel more confident and prepared for their future careers. “It’s a place where you can just network … it brings us to the forefront,” Polo said.
A showcase of the academy’s benefits
The inaugural opening of the new space was also a showcase of the academy’s benefits, as students got to hear from and talk to guest speakers, local politicians, and industry partners who support the program. Some of the speakers included Clayton State President Dr. Tim Hynes, CIMS Dean Dr. Lila Roberts, Georgia State Senator Gail Davenport, and representatives from Google, Intuit, and Microsoft.
The speakers praised the Launchpad Leadership Academy for its innovative and collaborative approach to education and workforce development, and encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities and resources offered by the program. They also highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in the technology sector, and commended Clayton State for its efforts to promote equity and access for underrepresented groups.
The industry partners also expressed their interest in hiring Launchpad Leadership Academy graduates, as they recognized the value of their skills and experience. Some of the partners even offered internships and job interviews to students on the spot, demonstrating the high demand and potential for Launchpad Leadership Academy students in the job market.
A milestone for Clayton State University
The opening of the new space for the Launchpad Leadership Academy was a milestone for Clayton State University, as it marked the culmination of years of operation and innovation for the program. The program, which started with 15 students and three industry partners in 2019, has now grown to 60 students and 12 industry partners in 2024, and has received national recognition and awards for its excellence and impact.
Dr. Hynes, who is retiring this year, said that he was proud of the Launchpad Leadership Academy and its achievements, and that he hoped that it would continue to grow and thrive in the future. He said that the program was a testament to Clayton State’s mission and vision of empowering students to achieve their dreams and transform their communities. “This is what Clayton State is all about,” Dr. Hynes said.
