FAQ
What is Launch Academy?
Launch is a five-day, four-night summer academy for high school students that aims to prepare their hearts and minds for the next step in their educational journey. Our expert instructors spend a week preparing students to take standardized tests, helping them with college essays, and improving their understanding of advanced academic subjects.
But it’s not just schoolwork. We also aim to inspire and light a fire under the students. The incredible roster of guest speakers we bring in gives diverse perspectives on success, education, and blazing your own path in life. The experiences, lessons, and perspectives presented are invaluable to students who are about to begin their journey as adults.
And don’t worry – we have some fun too. We go to the beach, host scavenger hunts, hold morning yoga classes, and hike nearby parks.
Many of our students finish the week having essentially completed their college applications. Some discover a passion they never knew they had. All make new friends and are better prepared for the upcoming school year.
What’s a typical day like at Launch?
| 7:00 AM | Wake Up Call / Optional Morning Workout |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast / Student Check-in with Team Leaders |
| 9:00 AM |
Morning Academic Session. This could be any of the following:
|
| 11:00 AM | Morning Break & Snack |
| 11:15 AM | Guest Speaker |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30 PM | Santa Cruz – Free Time |
| 3:00 PM | Back on Campus: Meet with mentor groups (coffee and tea available) |
| 3:30 PM |
Afternoon Academic Session. This could include any of the following:
|
| 5:30 PM | Dinner Served |
| 6:45 PM | Guest Speaker/College Application Essay Work |
| 8:00 PM | College Prep Bootcamp with CEO/Founder Billy Downing |
| 10:00 PM | Wrap up academic sessions |
What are the accommodations like?
Students stay two-or-three to a room. Sheets, pillows, a light blanket, and towels are provided. You are welcome to bring any additional bedding if you would like.
Students are provided with 3 delicious meals a day, plus we provide snacks and late-night pizza and ice cream. No one goes hungry! All special dietary requirements are easily accommodated.
When and where should my child arrive/depart?
UCSC Information: Camp will begin Monday at 11 am at UCSC College Nine. Students flying in should land at San Jose Airport and await a LAUNCH team member to pick them up at a predetermined location and time. Shuttles will transport students from SJC to UCSC between 8 am and 12 pm.
Students driving should arrive on campus between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to ensure they find parking and get situated. For students driving, please use 702 College Nine Rd Santa Cruz, CA 95064 as the address to drive to.
Camp ends Friday at 4 p.m. Students can leave after check-out and final goodbyes. Flights home should be planned out of the San Jose Airport on Friday afternoon. Shuttles will transport students to the airport between 12 and 5 pm. Friday.
What should my child pack/bring with them?
Here is a list of recommended things to bring to camp
- Comfortable clothes for both cool and hot weather. Temperatures fluctuate significantly between mornings and evenings and the hottest times of the day.
- Athletic shoes for hiking and our optional workouts each morning. Comfortable shoes/sandals that can be worn for long periods of time during the day.
- Personal Toiletries.
- Any additional bedding you would like.
- Bathing suit/beach towel for our beach trips.
- Sunscreen.
- Laptop (required).
- Calculator.
- If you have any of the following: personal statement drafts, letters of recommendation, resume, list of achievements, test scores (PSAT, ACT, SAT, AP Subject Test Scores)
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand that circumstances can change, so families will receive a 100% refund if they cancel on or before May 31, 2025, and a 50% refund before June 30, 2025. Any cancelations on or after July 1, 2025 are non-refundable.
