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College of Information and Mathematical Sciences

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Launchpad Leadership Academy Scholarship

Download application and reference forms

Scholarship Requirements 

 Current Clayton State University Students 

  • Be admitted and registered for classes at Clayton State University
  • Be pursuing a degree in the College of Information and Mathematical Sciences
  • Submit completed application including student's purpose essay and three completed letters of recommendation. Required to be fully completed before applicant will be considered. 
  • Be engaged in a scholarly or technically challenging activity under the supervision of a STEM faculty member. 
  • Interview required for candidates who are selected to advance in the process
  • Enrolled full-time undergraduate student seeking a degree in the College of Information and Mathematical Sciences at Clayton State University. (Note: Any change in class schedule, degree status, or full-time classification may result in immediate loss of scholarship)
  • Active participation in an on-site, hands-on, cooperative internship with a community partner within the Atlanta metro area. Accepted scholars are expected to provide their own reliable transportation to the weekly off-campus internship meeting location.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above (Note: Incoming freshman must have a high school GPA of 3.5 or above and either an SAT math score of 600 or higher OR an ACT score of 25 or higher)
  • Maintain a semester GPA of at least 3.5 or above each semester in the program
  • Engage with assigned cohort for the duration of the awarded program
  • Attendance and participation in specific scholarship events throughout the year
  • Updated resume approved by Career Services
  • Updated and active GitHub account
  • Completed FAFSA
  • Award recipients will compose a Thank You letter to the scholarship supporters referencing the scholarship by name, your current field of study, and your college/career goals/aspirations.

Clayton State University Incoming Freshman 

  • Be admitted and registered for classes at Clayton State University
  • Be pursuing a degree in the College of Information and Mathematical Sciences
  • Have an overall high school grade point average of at least 3.5

Benefits of being a Launchpad Scholar

  • $2,000 per year for tuition and fees (awarded over 2 consecutive semesters)
  • Ability to participate in a distinct internship combining in-class and outside-the-classroom partnerships with industry companies in the metro Atlanta area

Application Checklist

The Launchpad Leadership Academy scholarship is an opportunity only available to Clayton State students. Applicants MUST be admitted to Clayton State for Fall 2024 to qualify for this opportunity. Appointed scholars must be enrolled full-time within the College of Information and Mathematical Sciences at Clayton State University for the duration of the scholarship to remain eligible for the award. If you have not applied to Clayton State University, use the links below to apply for admission. If you’ve already been accepted to Clayton State University please continue with the next requirement.

Application Items

All application items below must be submitted via email to launchpad@clayton.edu. Please put “Scholarship Application – YOUR LAST NAME” when submitting materials. 

Any questions, please contact launchpad@clayton.edu.

  • Three (3) letters of reference are required for each applicant and are due to the scholarship committee by APRIL 15.
    • Submission information is on the reference document.
    • Failure to have three letters submitted will result in your application being incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered.
    • At least one reference should be a Clayton State professor or staff member (for current students) or previous professor/teacher (for new and transfer students) and at least one should be a previous supervisor/mentor/leader.
  • Launchpad Leadership Academy application essay must be no more than two pages in length, double spaced, 12-point font; should be a strong example of your ability to communicate effectively in writing and cover the following:
    • Your reasons for applying to the Launchpad leadership program.
    • Strengths/experiences that make you a unique/valuable addition to the program
    • Experiences related to the tech industry (paid or volunteer)
    • Leadership roles, achievements, accomplishments and special skills (multi-lingual, research experiences, involvement in community engagement)
    • Professional plans after graduation

Recommended Resources

  • Applicants are encouraged to meet with their Admissions Advisor prior to applying. During the admissions process, admission advisors help match interests to the appropriate program of study, assist in successfully navigating the application process, and direct potential students to useful campus resources such as financial aid. For new and transfer students, they can also review transcripts and determine whether additional coursework is necessary for admission to Clayton State.
  • Make an appointment with the Laker Hall Student Success Center for assistance with and proofreading of your application essay.
  • Meet with Career Services for interview assistance and to create/update your resume.
    • Note: If you are chosen for an interview a resume will be required at the time of the interview. 

Deadlines 

Leadership Launchpad Academy application Deadline:  April15

**Note: All required documents for the application are due by this date.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or processed. 

Deadline for Submitting Internship Paperwork

  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 15
  • Summer: May 1