The History of Launch into Your Future Month
Launch into Your Future Month began as College Application Month (CAM) in 2012 to boost student success post-graduation by the Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO) and the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration (IPA). Specifically, the DHEO and IPA aspired to assist first-generation scholars and students who may not otherwise attend college to apply.
The first two schools to participate in CAM were Lake Forest High School and Smyrna High School.
The program hit the ground running in 2013 and has continued to support Delaware scholars with their post-secondary applications, concerns, and stresses. A decade later, all public and charter schools in Delaware participate in Launch Month. In total, scholars have submitted over 56,000 college applications during CAM.
After the initial launch of CAM, a scholar from Smyrna High School stated, “Thank you for taking your time for me to build my future.” A Lake Forest High School student articulated, “If it weren’t College Application Week, I probably would not have applied to as many colleges as I did. It gave me a good look at getting my future started in the right direction.”
The Expansion of CAM and Transformation into DSS LAUNCH into Your Future Month
In 2023, College Application Month (CAM) was renamed “DSS Launch,” its entire tagline being “Launch into Your Future with Delaware Student Success.” The new name encompasses the Delaware Higher Education Office’s (DHEO) and the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration’s (IPA) aspirations to support all Delaware scholars in any postsecondary plan(s).
Since 2013, the state’s economy and postsecondary opportunities have changed vastly. College is no longer the only key to a recession-resistant and wealth-generating career. Furthermore, Delaware’s workforce needs students with postsecondary credentials, degrees, and apprenticeships. Therefore, DSS Launch will assist students with any post-graduation aspiration, dream, or goal.
The goal is that all students will feel proud and prepared for their life post-graduation.
How DSS LAUNCH into Your Future Month Works
LAUNCH into Your Future Month occurs throughout October and November. During these months, school counselors and site coordinators select a LAUNCH into Your Future Week where scholars may receive assistance and guidance in applying for college. Some schools also support post-secondary plans that may differ from college, for instance, entering the workforce, enlisting in the military, applying for an apprenticeship, or undertaking a trade(s) or technical skill(s).
How the DHEO and IPA Supports School Counselors and Site Coordinators During LAUNCH into Your Future Month
Staff from the Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO) and the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration (IPA) work together to create resources for Launch into your Future Month, including, but not limited to:
- The Fee Waiver Matrix for Free Applications throughout LAUNCH into Your Future Month
- One-Pagers and Flyers on Delaware’s Higher Education Institutions
- Information on Scholarships, such as the Scholarship Compendium
- LAUNCH into Your Future Month swag, such as the stickers
The DHEO and the IPA also collect data and feedback from site coordinators and scholars via surveys to develop new materials, strategies, and interventions.
Moreover, the DHEO runs the Delaware Student Success (DSS) Texting Program for scholars, parents, and school counselors; text messages relay essential information concerning their post-secondary plans and aspirations. To stay updated, text SUCCESS to 302-492-2092.
For more information on the DSS Texting Program, click here.
Participate in LAUNCH into Your Future Month to further scholars’ aspirations, opportunities, and confidence. Let’s support their futures!