The curriculum is designed to help you experience academic life at Lawrence.
The staff has the knowledge and expertise to make your experience exceptional.
Lawrence Launch gives students an opportunity to engage with world-renowned faculty, adapt to a college schedule, and get a head start on earning college credit.
- Lawrence Launch Dates: August 16–September 5
- Lawrence Launch Application Due: May 29, 2026
Lawrence Launch (formerly Summer Institute)
Lawrence Launch is a three-week academic and community experience that introduces new Lawrentians to life at Lawrence before the fall term begins.
During Lawrence Launch, students will:
- Enroll in two courses designed to develop critical thinking, writing, and college-level learning skills
- Connect with other first-year students through shared insights, experiences, and challenges
- Engage with faculty and staff while getting to know Lawrence’s campus and resources
Lawrence Launch helps students build community, develop confidence, and experience the Lawrence classroom before the fall term officially begins.
Campus Connection
Lawrence Launch students form close bonds with peers during the three-week program that often last throughout their time at Lawrence.
In addition to getting to know fellow first-year students, participants work closely with upper-year student leaders known as Program Assistants (PAs). Each PA mentors a small group of students, supporting them throughout the program by:
- Building a strong sense of community
- Sharing insights from their own Lawrence experiences
- Helping plan social and cohort-wide activities
Lawrence Launch culminates with a trip to Lawrence’s Björklunden campus in Door County, Wisconsin, where students enjoy the outdoors, reflect on their experience, and reset before Welcome Week begins.
Confidence
Lawrence Launch instills a strong sense of confidence that is often noticeable during Welcome Week and beyond. After completing the program, students report a greater sense of belonging at Lawrence, both academically and socially.
When the fall term begins, Lawrence Launch students are well prepared. They have already:
- Completed college-level coursework
- Built friendships and support networks
- Learned their way around campus
- Become familiar with key resources for academic and personal support
Lawrence Launch offers students a meaningful opportunity to settle in and gain comfort before the first term officially begins.
Meet the Team
The Lawrence Launch team is a curated group of faculty and staff who are dedicated to meeting new students where they are and helping them succeed.
Classes
Lawrence Launch allows students to ease into college-level academics by enrolling in two courses with small class sizes taught by Lawrence faculty.
Courses are designed to:
- Introduce academic expectations at Lawrence
- Provide early exposure to discussion-based learning
- Support students as they adjust to college-level coursework
During the program, students typically take:
- A discussion-based seminar (15 students or fewer), modeled after Lawrence’s First Year Studies experience
- An elective course based on individual interests
Elective offerings vary by year. Previous electives have included Starting STEM Savvy and Collaborative Practice: Dance + Place.