Launchpad Dallas
Where genius goes to play
Launchpad Dallas will be a dynamic hub where the brightest young minds transform extraordinary ideas into reality. To that end, we are creating a state-of-the-art facility for exploration, experimentation, innovation, collaboration, and creation. Here, thoughts that may otherwise lay dormant will have the support they need to grow into the next big thing.
Launchpad Dallas is committed to socioeconomic and cultural inclusivity. We recognize the importance of serving a diverse group of young innovators, particularly those who may lack the resources, to explore their potential. Our facility will be easily accessible to kids from all backgrounds, especially those without means. In this nurturing environment, children from varied backgrounds will converge, bringing a wealth of perspectives that enrich the tapestry of innovation. By breaking down barriers to entry, we are setting the stage for a symphony of ideas, where every voice is heard and every dream has space.
Launchpad Dallas has already secured over $150,000 of funding, and is scheduled for an exhilarating takeoff in August 2024. As we eagerly count down to our grand opening, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Stay tuned for updates by signing up for A Slice of Pi: The Newsletter for Nerds. Prepare to witness the birthplace of innovation and the future of technology. At Launchpad Dallas, we encourage youth to dream big. For our crewmembers, the sky is not a limit; it is merely the backdrop against which they paint our future, a future shaped by imagination, creativity, and the boundless potential of the next generation.
Plan
Launchpad Dallas will roll out in three phases, starting small and expanding as we determine the best trajectory for helping our crew members succeed.
Phase One is already underway, as we work to secure a rented space to accommodate our initial crew and equipment, with doors opening for the first time in August, 2024. This phase includes 3D printers, CNC machines, computers suitable for developing large language models, sewing machines, an A/V lab, and a mini arcade featuring ping pong, foosball, and pop-a-shot. Initially, Launchpad Dallas will serve a select group of gifted local middle school students, with plans to include high school students no later than 2027.
Phase Two will transition us into a custom-built space, designed specifically to cater to our unique requirements and allow for future expansion. We envision this space to include the infrastructure necessary to support any scientific research our crew members can imagine. It will also feature an expanded movement arena with a climbing wall, basketball court, and mats for yoga and martial arts.
Phase Three will depend on the direction our crew members take us. This phase could involve working with local school districts so that crewmembers can get credit for their work; establishing new locations in communities with the greatest need, or even evolving into a specialized school.
Crewmember Benefits
Unlimited access to space.
Homeschool students to have daytime and after-school access
All students can be at Launchpad after-school, weekend and during school breaks.
Unlimited access to tools and equipment (once trained on them), including:
3D printers
Laser cutting
CNC machines
A growing suite of software, including Google Workplace, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office 365, and Autodesk Fusion 360
Monthly "Rocket Fuel" allowance to access raw materials and consumables such as:
Microcontrollers
3D printer filament
Wood
Metal
Fabric
Vinyl
Mentor Support
Current and retired professionals in a variety of fields
Interested in developing the next generation
Fluent in Geek (not necessarily Greek) 🤓
Lessons in various topics, such as electronics, 3D printing, and woodshop.
Postsecondary counseling and support (once we've built out to include high school crewmembers)
Host college admissions info sessions
In-house experienced support with college list development, application completion, and all relevant financial aid and scholarship applications
Career exploration opportunities with mentors and local industry leaders
Support
Launchpad Dallas is working to raise funds, find and setup a facility, and recruit both mentors and members. If you or someone you know is interested in bringing this dream into reality, please reach out. For now, we've identified the following needs:
Financial:
Although Launchpad Dallas has already raised $150,000, we are in the process of raising an additional $75,000 before we open to acquire additional equipment and another $650,000 to fully equip our facility. If you're interested in contributing financially to our organization, please contact us directly or follow this link to donate through PayPal.
Infrastructure and Financial Development:
Architect/Designer – ideally with campus and makerspace/lab experience to help select, design, and layout our initial space
Makers/Engineers/Scientists/Artists – to select and source the tools and equipment (e.g., 3d printers, CNC, laser cutters, cameras, computers...)
Grant Writers – those with deep knowledge of place-based and innovative design grant opportunities
Mentors:
Launchpad Dallas seeks subject matter experts who are enthusiastic about mentoring the next generation of leaders in various fields. Our primary focus areas include: technology, engineering, electronics, metal/wood/3D fabrication, science, creative arts, and digital media. Ideal mentors for this initiative are likely to be graduate students, college professors (both active and retired), or experienced business professionals. However, at Launchpad Dallas, we firmly believe in the extraordinary capabilities of exceptional individuals. Therefore, while these are our primary categories for mentors, we remain open to embracing talents from diverse backgrounds who are eager to make a significant impact. If this sounds like you, please contact us - we'd love to meet you!
Members:
Launchpad Dallas is looking for exceptional young adults who love-love-LOVE learning. This passion may manifest simply for the joy of learning itself or as a drive to create, design, and build something impactful. Our ideal members are bright young people who often feel unchallenged in traditional school settings (even when they are in accelerated coursework or have skipped a grade). They have a tendency to be self-taught in various subjects driven by sheer curiosity. They are those who, despite the limitations of their available resources, possess passion, knowledge and skills. These are the dreamers who envision ambitious projects – from sending rockets to space to building electron microscopes – and are in search of the right tools, team, and environment to transform these dreams into reality. They thrive in environments rich in intellectual camaraderie, where they can both seek and offer challenges. Sometimes, they've been likened to figures such as Young Sheldon, Doogie Howser, Akeelah, or Bobby Fischer – embodiments of exceptional young talent and determination. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please click here to request an application - we'd love to meet you!
Talent Scouts:
Educators, coaches, community leaders and other people who are adept at recognizing and nurturing exceptional young talent. This includes public or private school teachers, homeschool educators, counselors, and coaches who have a keen eye for identifying students who exhibit remarkable intellectual or creative abilities. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please complete this questionnaire - we'd love to meet you!
About
Launchpad Dallas was recently recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Click here to download a copy of the letter. Please contacts us with any questions at:
shirin.f@launchpadincubator.org
© 2024, Launchpad Incubator, All Rights Reserved.
