Looking for a way to ease the transition into college? Want to be connected with other incoming Jewish first year students? GW Hillel’s LaunchPad offers incoming first year students a unique opportunity to 'find your people' and arrive to campus welcomed with open arms by Hillel student leaders and staff.

LaunchPad 2023 is Thursday, August 17th- Friday, August 18th! The program begins Thursday morning and will conclude with Shabbat Dinner on Friday evening. Students must register for LaunchPad by Thursday, June 1st to be eligible to register for early move in. Students will join the rest of the university for official orientation programming following LaunchPad. 

What can I expect by participating in LaunchPad? 
LaunchPad helps students feel a sense of belonging from the very start of their first year on-campus. GW Hillel works to create an experience that cultivates relationships and helps students see the city with Jewish values in mind. 

Each year, we curate a unique experience but past LaunchPad groups did some of the following:
- Met with US Congress Representatives & Senators, Supreme Court Justices, and staffers to hear about the intersection of Jewish Life and Politics
- Took a Private Tour of Nationals Stadium
- Met with Small Groups for icebreakers and other social gatherings
- Q&A Sessions with upperclassmen about EVERYTHING you need to know to take advantage of your time at GW.
- Challah Baking Class with the Founders of RxChicken: an up-and-coming DC based company.
- Met with Founder of SHOUK: an incredibly delicious vegan Israeli restaurant in DC
- and more! 

Participation in LaunchPad costs $180 and will cover programming, transportation, and food costs throughout the program. 

Please Note: No student will be turned away due to financial need. For information on scholarships, email Adena. 

With questions about the program please email Sara. 

You can access LaunchPad registration below or through your Accepted Students Portal.

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