LAunchPad Summer Program

LAunchPad is a free one-week summer program run by Cal State LA's College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST) in Los Angeles, California, for high school students interested in STEM. Students explore computer science, computer and electrical engineering, civil engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering and technology through faculty presentations, hands-on projects and talks by industry professionals. Each day starts with a faculty presentation, followed by an interactive project and an industry speaker. Students work in small teams on a collaborative project with a final presentation, and the week ends with the annual Futurathon. The program is in person on campus, is sponsored by Boeing Global Engagement and includes meals at no cost. In 2026, 9th and 10th graders attended June 15 to 18 and 11th and 12th graders attended June 22 to 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The program is open to all high school students interested in STEM, with one session for 9th and 10th graders and another for 11th and 12th graders. Students apply with an online application form, and program information and instructions are sent by email. The 2026 cycle had an early admission deadline of February 13 and a final deadline of April 10.