Launch Pad

Launch Pad 2021

Launch Pad is GSSM’s highly successful summer bridge program! This year’s program will be July 11 – 24, 2021. Approximately 35 incoming juniors participate in this enrichment opportunity designed to bolster students’ math knowledge before beginning our fast-paced curriculum in the fall. We know a strong foundation in math is critical to successful completion of our rigorous STEM curriculum.

Launch Pad is a residential program: all students stay in GSSM’s residence halls. The cafeteria is open and provides a fine variety of options throughout the weeks. Residence hall staff provide guidance and supervision on nights and weekends.

Academics

Concentrated time will be spent bolstering students’ math knowledge and skills. Students will be introduced to problem solving strategies, develop their quantitative reasoning skills, review key algebraic concepts, and have plenty of time to work on problems alone and with peers.

Students will have additional academic experiences: English classes, Economics workshops, tips on managing time and more will provide a clear understanding of the expectations and rigor of the fall curriculum, along with skills to manage it all.

All classes will be taught by GSSM faculty and staff. Successful completion of Launch Pad will help our incoming juniors hit the ground running this fall.

Cost

There is no cost for attending Launch Pad. We provide room, meals, books, and supplies. Students will need only modest amounts of money for incidental, personal expenses. We ask only that students commit to spending both weeks with us and work hard as they embrace life as a Govie. Launch Pad is part of our commitment to helping all students succeed at GSSM.

Living Arrangements

All Launch Pad students live in the GSSM residence halls. They are supervised by professional residence life staff and recent GSSM graduates – Student Assistants.

Nights and Weekends

Launch Pad is not all academics! We’ll also enjoy outings to Hartsville’s favorite student destinations, weekend fun excursions, and social interactions. Since this is a residential program – students will live in our residence halls - evenings and weekends will help students learn the art of living in a collaborative community of students from throughout South Carolina.

Selection

Selection for Launch Pad is based on a careful review of several factors including each incoming student’s GSSM Admissions Math Test & Math Assessment, standardized math test scores, as well as courses taken and grades earned at the home high school. Particular attention is given to math preparation; as a STEM school, we are well aware the significant role a strong foundation in mathematics plays in success throughout our curriculum.

Due to our desire to keep this program fairly small, attendance remains by invitation only.

COVID protocol

The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are of primary importance. We are developing protocols for all summer programs to include masks and social distancing. A full guide will be sent to participating students and their families.

More Information

For more information about this program, please contact Ms. Kyle Barnett, Director, Center for Academic Success: kbarnett@gssm.k12.sc.us