Language Career Launchpad

Language Career Launchpad (LCL) provides an opportunity for regional high-school students to explore how knowing a world language and culture can enhance their career readiness. 

The event will begin with a panel of professionals discussing their career journeys and language experiences. Students will then attend a series of 30-minute presentations of their own choosing. There will also be information from local colleges and universities about their language programs, scholarships, and study abroad opportunities. 

All registered attendees will receive a free lunch and students will have the opportunity to win prizes. 

The presentations offered falls into five broad categories: 

1. Role-play (e.g., imagine that you are a nurse interacting with a Spanish-speaking family). 
2. Project Brainstorming (e.g., to create a holiday card for the Lunar New Year for Chinese-American customers).
3. Language Partnerships (e.g., a Latin instructor describes his work as a consultant for an Ancient Rome-related movie). 
4. Cultural Etiquette (e.g., social rules when conducting business with Japanese partners).
5. International Inspiration (e.g., how ancient Incan farming methods are a model for sustainable agricultural practices).

Language Career Launchpad 2026

The 2026 LCL will take place on Saturday, November 14th on the KU Lawrence campus. 

School Registration

We will send out official registration forms in early Fall.  If you missed the initial interest form, please contact olrc@ku.edu and we will send you the information.