The YouthBridge LaunchPad

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About The LaunchPad

The YouthBridge LaunchPad is a 9-month learning journey designed to help young people navigate the transition between school and the wider world with greater confidence, curiosity and intention. At its core, the LaunchPad is about helping young people better understand themselves, explore possibilities, develop practical skills, and begin building lives that feel meaningful and expansive. 

For many young people in Sierra Leone, the transition from secondary school into adulthood can feel uncertain and overwhelming. Students are often expected to make important decisions about university, careers, and their future without the exposure, support systems, mentorship, or opportunities needed to confidently navigate those choices. The LaunchPad was created to help bridge that gap.

Rather than pushing students toward one definition of success, the programme creates space for exploration, reflection, creativity, growth, and discovery. Students are encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, try new things, engage with different perspectives, and imagine futures they may not have previously considered possible.

The programme brings together self-discovery, creativity, leadership, communication, wellbeing, digital literacy, career exploration, mentorship and exposure to opportunities within and beyond Sierra Leone. By the end of the programme, students do not leave with everything figured out. Instead, they leave with stronger skills, clearer direction, greater self-awareness, and increased confidence in their ability to navigate opportunities, uncertainty and the future.

Applications for Cohort 2 are currently open for students in SSS2 / IGCSE Year 11 based in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Our Pilot Cohort

Read about our first cohort

The LaunchPad builds on the foundation of the Higher Education Access Program (HEAP), our pilot cohort launched to support young people as they began thinking intentionally about what comes after school. Over the course of the year, students engaged in sessions that brought together self-discovery and identity exploration, academic development, career exploration (including alternative and non-conventional pathways), digital literacy, leadership and civic engagement, communication, creativity, honest conversations about wellbeing and more. Along the way, they were also exposed to higher education opportunities across Africa and connected with institutions they may never have encountered otherwise. 

The experiences, reflections, and lessons from our first cohort reinforced the importance of creating spaces where young people feel supported, challenged, inspired, and connected to possibility.

What You Gain from The LaunchPad

Mentorship & Guidance

Engage with mentors, facilitators and peers who challenge your thinking, support your growth, and shape your future.

Leadership & Personal Growth

Build confidence in leading, taking initiative, solving problems and working with others.

Communication Skills

Strengthen your speaking, writing, reflection, research and critical thinking skills through discussions, assignments, and interactive activities.

Career & Future Exploration

Ask questions, challenge assumptions, explore different career pathways, industries, interests, and possibilities for your future.

Opportunity Guidance

Receive guidance on researching institutions, exploring scholarships, and navigating application processes both within Sierra Leone and beyond.

A Supportive Community

Join a growing network of ambitious young people navigating similar journeys, learning and growing together.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. You are currently a senior secondary school student in SSS 2 or IGCSE Year 11 and are based in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

  2. You show promise and enthusiasm for learning and self-improvement. This means that you may not necessarily be the top student or have perfect grades, but you have the drive, curiosity and potential to excel with the right support and guidance. You demonstrate determination and the ability to push through challenges, even when things get tough.

  3. You actively engage in activities beyond the classroom – such as sports, clubs, volunteer work, leadership roles, creative projects, or other self-driven interests.

     

  4. You are interested in exploring future educational, career, leadership and personal development opportunities, and are open to new experiences and learning.

     

  5. You are committed to fully participating in and completing the program, including attending workshops and sessions, and engaging with program activities for the full duration of the 9-month program. The cohort will meet once a week, on Saturdays, from 10 AM – 2 PM. Please do not apply if you will not be able to attend regularly.

     

  6. You understand that participation in the YouthBridge LaunchPad requires a programme fee of NLe 2,400 (approximately USD $100) for the full duration of the programme. Limited scholarship support will be available for students who may require financial assistance.

     

  7. If you are under 18, you must have the consent and support of your parent or guardian to apply for and participate in the program.

Programme Fee & Scholarship Support

Participation in the YouthBridge LaunchPad requires a programme fee of NLe 2,400 for the full 9-month programme.

This supports programme delivery, workshops, mentorship activities, learning materials, guest sessions and other aspects of the participant experience.

We understand that some students and families may require financial assistance. A limited number of partial and full scholarships will therefore be available for students who demonstrate financial need.

Applicants interested in scholarship support will have the opportunity to indicate this during the application process.

Application Timeline

Applications Open

21st May

Application Deadline

3rd June

In-person Interviews

13th June

Candidates Notified

16th June

Orientation & Kickoff

20th June

FAQs

Got questions about The LaunchPad? We’ve got answers! If you still need more info, feel free to contact us at info@youthbridgesl.org

1. What is The YouthBridge LaunchPad?

The YouthBridge LaunchPad is a 9-month programme designed to support young people as they navigate life beyond secondary school. The programme combines mentorship, practical learning, leadership development, career exploration, practical skills-building, exposure to opportunities and community.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the programme?

The programme is currently open to students in Senior Secondary School 2 (SSS2) or IGCSE Year 11 who are based in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

3. Do I need good grades to apply?

No. While academic commitment matters, we are not only looking for students with the highest grades. We care about curiosity, initiative, willingness to learn, resilience and potential for growth.

4. What kind of students are you looking for?

We are looking for students who are:

  • curious and eager to learn
  • open to growth and self-discovery
  • engaged beyond the classroom
  • willing to commit fully to the programme
  • excited to explore opportunities and possibilities for their future
5. Is the programme free?

No, participation in YouthBridge LaunchPad is not free. Selected participants will be required to pay a programme fee of NLe 2,400 (approximately USD $100) for the full 9-month programme. This fee helps support programme delivery, learning materials, workshops, mentorship activities, guest sessions and other aspects of the participant experience. We understand that some students and families may not be able to afford the full programme fee. A limited number of partial and full scholarships will therefore be available for students who demonstrate financial need. YouthBridge remains committed to ensuring that motivated, curious, and deserving young people are not excluded from the programme due to financial circumstances.

6. What is the programme duration?

The programme runs for 9 months, from June 2026 to March 2027.

7. How often do sessions take place?

Participants will meet weekly on Saturdays from 10:00 AM. There will also be scheduled breaks.

8. Are sessions in person or online?

The programme is primarily in-person, though some activities or engagements may happen virtually when needed.

9. Can students from outside Freetown apply?

At the moment, the programme is focused on students based in Freetown because sessions are primarily conducted in person.

10. What will participants learn or gain from the programme?

Participants will:

  • strengthen communication and critical thinking skills
  • explore career and educational pathways
  • build confidence and self-awareness
  • develop leadership and decision-making skills
  • gain mentorship and peer support
  • become more prepared to navigate future opportunities and challenges
11. Is The LaunchPad for students who want to study abroad?

No. While some students may eventually pursue international opportunities, The LaunchPad is not about studying abroad. The programme is focused more broadly on helping young people explore possibilities, better understand themselves and navigate their futures with greater confidence and intention.

12. Will participants receive mentorship?

Yes. Mentorship is a core part of the programme experience. Participants will engage with mentors, facilitators, professionals, and peers throughout the programme.

13. What kinds of activities will students participate in?

Activities will include:

  • workshops and facilitated discussions
  • mentorship sessions
  • guest speaker sessions
  • collaborative projects and activities
  • reflective exercises
  • reading and writing assignments
  • practical learning experiences
  • career exploration activities
  • And more
14. Will there be assignments?

Yes. There will be structured reading, writing and reflective assignments designed to help students grow in communication, critical thinking and self-expression.

15. What makes The LaunchPad different from other programmes?

The LaunchPad focuses on helping young people learn how to think, explore, communicate, make decisions and navigate opportunities independently. The programme prioritises growth, confidence, exposure, agency and long-term development.

16. Do students need extracurricular experience to apply?

We encourage students who are engaged beyond the classroom; through sports, clubs, volunteering, leadership, creative projects, or other activities, to apply. However, we help students identify ways to showcase their skills, leadership, and community involvement to strengthen their portfolio.

17. Are parents or guardians involved in the programme?

Yes. Parents and guardians are an important part of the programme experience. YouthBridge organizes parent engagement activities, including orientation sessions, periodic meetings and programme updates.

18. Will participants receive certificates?

Participants who consistently engage in and complete the programme will receive a certificate of completion.

19. Will participants remain connected after the programme ends?

Yes. Participants become part of the broader YouthBridge community and alumni network, with opportunities for continued connection, mentorship and engagement.

20. How can I stay updated about YouthBridge opportunities?

You can follow YouthBridge on social media or regularly check our website for programme updates, announcements, and future opportunities.

Ready to Apply?

If you are curious about your future, excited to grow, and ready to become part of a supportive community of young people exploring opportunities and possibility together, we encourage you to apply.

APPLY NOW