By Sara Hinds
For the third summer in a row, Doane hosted Launch Leadership for two separate workshops. From June 17-21 and July 15-19, hundreds of middle and high schoolers moved onto campus for five days of hands-on learning and leadership development.
“Nearly every residence hall is filled with delegates or staffers as campus comes alive with Launch,” Quint Geis ’13, director of career, leadership & service at Doane said.
Launch itself has existed for more than 60 years, and its partnership with Doane is a natural fit. Both have a keen focus on creating an environment where students are challenged to grow, and encouraged to think critically.
“Each year, we create a safe, supportive environment that pushes students to learn and grow—all while having fun,” Hannah Bauer ’15 said. She serves as curriculum director for Launch. “I'm passionate about what our curriculum does to help young people develop pivotal leadership skills.”
Bauer has volunteered with Launch since 2015, who learned of the program from her friend Andrea Johnson Wysocki ’10, assistant professor and director of the honors program at Doane. Wysocki previously attended and volunteered with Launch.
Bauer looks forward to returning to campus every year and said it’s the best two weeks of her summer. Students she once led are now Launch staffers who inspire the next generation of leaders.
