A No‑Cost Summer Career Experience for High School Students
Career Launch at Rockingham Community College is a free summer program for high school students designed to help students explore career pathways, earn dual‑enrollment college credit, and gain hands‑on experience in high‑demand fields, all before graduation.
Through immersive, skills‑based learning, students build confidence, explore future careers, and get a head start on college and the workforce. Upon successful completion, students may be eligible for a stipend.
Why Choose Career Launch?
Career Launch is more than a summer camp, it’s a career‑focused college experience built specifically for motivated high school students.
- Hands‑On Career Exploration – Students engage in real‑world, skills‑based learning aligned with local workforce needs. Each pathway offers practical experience that connects classroom learning to future careers.
- Dual Enrollment College Credit – Participants enroll in college‑level coursework that counts toward high school graduation and future degree programs. The program includes tuition, textbooks, materials, and fees. All at no cost to students or families.
- Supportive College Environment – Students learn in small cohorts taught by Rockingham Community College faculty alongside a CTE high school teacher, gaining academic confidence, college readiness skills, and familiarity with campus life.
Program Details at a Glance
- Who: High school students graduating in 2026, 2027, or 2028
- When: June 15 – July 21
- No classes July 1 – July 5
- Schedule:
- Four days per week, on campus
- 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Meals: Lunch provided
- Cost: No cost to student
Career Pathways Offered
Students may apply to one of the following Career Launch academic pathways:
Early Childhood Education
- Course: EDU 119 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- Dates: June 15 – July 21
- Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Includes: 60 hours of job shadowing in Early Childhood Education
Students will earn:
- One high school credit
- College Credit
- 60 internship/job shadowing hours
Welding
- Course: WLD 121 – GMAW (MIG) Welding
- Dates: June 15 – July 21
- Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Students will earn:
- One high school credit
- College Credit
Fine Arts – Visual Arts
- Course: ART 131 – Drawing I
- Dates: June 15 – July 21
- Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Students will earn:
- One high school credit
- College Credit
