Introducing: Launch Missouri’s Workforce

We have some exciting news to share, friends! Earlier this spring we partnered with the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development to implement Launch Missouri’s Workforce, a new initiative that offers students career-focused virtual education courses and allows students to graduate high school career ready! Students who enroll in these courses will be able to earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials in 11 Workforce Pathway industries: Agribusiness; Bio-Sciences; Construction; Education; Energy; Financial & Professional Services; Health Science; Hospitality & Food Service; Information Technology; Manufacturing and Transportation & Logistics. 

When will courses be available?

Launch Missouri’s Workforce courses will be available in four pathways initially, with the additional pathways being developed over the next three years. Courses released in Fall 2022 include Teaching as a Profession, Marketing, Introduction to Business and two Advanced Placement Computer Science courses. “Launch has had career-focused virtual education courses on our roadmap for quite some time,” says Dr. Nichole Lemmon, Director of Launch Virtual Learning. “We’re excited to see further development coming to fruition through a partnership with the state.”

Who can enroll in these courses? 

Launch Missouri’s Workforce courses will be available to all high school students in the state of Missouri. Through the state’s partnership with Launch, tuition-free programming will also be available beginning this fall. “Missouri is proud to partner with Launch to help more students earn valuable credentials and certifications during high school,” says Dr. Mardy Leathers, Director of Workforce Development for the State of Missouri. “We’re excited to see the impact these virtual learning opportunities have in the lives of students and for Missouri employers.”

Any student in the state can benefit from these courses. “One of our four main goals is to provide opportunity to all students, regardless of zip code,” Dr. Lemmon says. Additional goals are also student focused, as they aim to expose students to career paths, connect students with industry experts and help students find success in their postsecondary lives via workforce industry certifications.

Developed and Delivered by Launch Virtual Learning

“We are honored to partner with the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development to further prepare students for a diverse, rapidly changing workforce,” says Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools. “Launch helps open doors for students across Missouri through high-quality virtual education taught by Missouri educators and aligned with Missouri Learning Standards. Launch continues to expand its robust support services to equip our students for their next steps. I am so proud of the dedicated team collaborating to make these new opportunities possible. This work is essential to the long-term success of our future workforce.”

Launch is currently in its 10th year of virtual programming and has partnerships with 370 school districts statewide. To learn more, visit fueledbylaunch.com/workforce.