Launch Collective: Career & Personal Growth Community for Young (Ages 18 – 24)

The Launch Collective is a career and personal development community created by the Lighthouse Foundation for young adults who are ready to explore their future while building meaningful connections.

Designed for Black LGBTQ+ young adults and allies ages 18 – 24 in the Chicago area, the Launch Collective provides a supportive space to grow, learn, and navigate the transition into adulthood, careers, and purpose.

Too often, young people are expected to figure out their future alone. The Launch Collective was created to make sure you don’t have to.

Participants join a small community of peers who meet monthly to explore career possibilities, build professional skills, and have honest conversations about life, goals, and personal growth.

Along the way, participants build confidence, gain practical tools for their careers, and form connections with others who are navigating similar journeys.

What to Expect

Launch Collective members participate in virtual and in person events focused on career readiness, personal development, and life skills. Sessions are interactive and designed to be welcoming, practical, and engaging.

Topics include:

  • Your Mind Matters: Discovering Your Vocation – exploring purpose and identifying career interests

  • Resume Creation – building a resume that reflects your strengths and experiences

  • The Value of Your Network – learning how relationships can open doors and create opportunities

  • In My Feelings:Broke and Bougie – financial literacy basics and building wealth over time

  • Your Mind Matters: Mental Health and Career Workshop – understanding how mental health impacts work and wellbeing

  • Navigating the Professional Landscape in Your First Career – practical strategies for entering and thriving in the workplace

Sessions take place online once a month on the fourth Monday, making it easy to participate from anywhere.

In addition to the monthly sessions, Launch Collective members are invited to at least two in-person gatherings each year, creating opportunities to connect, reflect, and build community together.

More Than a Program — A Community

Members of the Launch Collective are also part of the broader Lighthouse Foundation community, which creates spaces centered around joy, healing, and connection for Black LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

Participants may also engage in Lighthouse’s signature events and community experiences, including:

  • Beach Day

  • Sexplosion

  • Heal the Healers

  • Care Connect

  • The Annual Level Up Conference

These gatherings create opportunities to celebrate community while building relationships that extend beyond the program itself.

Who Should Attend

The Launch Collective is ideal for:

  • Young adults ages 18 – 24

  • Black LGBTQ+ individuals and allies seeking supportive community

  • People exploring career paths, education options, or future goals

  • Those looking to build confidence, professional skills, and networks

  • Anyone who wants to grow alongside other young adults navigating similar life transitions

  • Whether you’re in school, working, job searching, or figuring out your next step, the Launch Collective is designed to support you.

If you’re ready to build your future with intention and community, this space was created for you.