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 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! 

LAUNCH into Your Future Month FAQs

When does LAUNCH into Your Future Month occur?

LAUNCH into Your Future Month occurs throughout October and November. Individually, schools select a particular week during these months to hold LAUNCH into Your Future Week.

No! The Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO) and the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration (IPA) support schools year-round; they also work closely together throughout the year to prepare for LAUNCH into Your Future Month, create new materials, and analyze data and feedback from school counselors, site coordinators, and scholars.

Currently, 45 Delaware schools participate in LAUNCH into Your Future Month.

Volunteers come from higher education institutions, local businesses, military branches, or governmental agencies and offices (i.e., Delaware’s Department of Education [DOE]).

LAUNCH into Your Future Month offers individualized support to scholars and assists them throughout the career and college preparation and application processes. LAUNCH might encourage scholars to apply to college who (1) did not initially intend to or (2) did not feel confident doing so. LAUNCH also provides essay support and resume and cover letter support, so scholars can feel more comfortable applying to colleges, careers, or other postsecondary opportunities. By doing so, LAUNCH may boost students’ success and further their aspirations, dreams, and goals.

College Application Month (CAM) has been renamed as DSS Launch in 2023. With this change, the Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO) and University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration (IPA) decided to expand upon CAM beyond the college path to include: credentials, entrepreneurship, military enlistment, and apprenticeship. Every student deserves to feel proud and prepared for post-graduation regardless of their aspirations, goals, and dreams.

That’s totally okay! All post-secondary plans are important and matter. School counselors, site coordinators, and LAUNCH into Your Future Month) volunteers can still support scholars with other applications, processes, and questions. For instance, students can apply to trade, technical, and cosmetology/barbering schools during this time. Or, scholars may choose to work on their resumes and cover letters.

Even if college is not the first option or choice, scholars can apply to Delaware higher education institutions for free during October and November as an additional option if interested. 

That’s okay! However, it’s encouraged that scholars apply to colleges and universities during LAUNCH into Your Future Month since participating schools waive their application fees. 

Currently, the following in-state schools waive their application fees:

  • Delaware State University (DSU)
  • University of Delaware (UD)
  • Wilmington University (WU)

The Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD), Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC), and Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) do not charge for online applications.

For more information, view our Application Fee Waiver. 

Any nerves, anxieties, or worries you’re experiencing are valid. However, school counselors, site coordinators, and even LAUNCH into Your Future Month volunteers are here to help. 

Also, you can text SUCCESS to 302-492-2092 with any questions or concerns. You’re not alone in the post-secondary planning and application processes!