ORANGE — LaunchSpace is accepting applications for a paid six-month entrepreneurship and workforce training program designed for 18- to 24-year-olds.
The nonprofit makerspace on the Orange Innovation Center’s third floor will start its 2026 Launch Program on Jan. 13 and cater to young people who are currently out of school and living in Franklin, Hampshire or Hampden counties or the North Quabbin region.
“It’s really preparing them for the real world, whether that’s employment or employing themselves as an entrepreneur,” said Brianna Drohen, who founded LaunchSpace with Alec MacLeod in 2017.
The Launch Program is the next tier in LaunchSpace’s Creative Sector Pathway Program, a multi-stage workforce and education initiative supporting people ages 13 to 24. After introducing foundational creative skills in earlier tiers, the Launch Program aims to provide an immersive experience to help youth and young adults transition from curiosity to capability, with real business operations, mentorship and skill-building at its core.
“When we first were designing the Pathway Program, we knew that it would eventually have … tiers and we looked at other similar programs around Massachusetts and around the country,” Drohen said. “We have some students that are currently in our engaged program that are looking forward to that next step.”
The 2026 Launch Program lasts from January to June. Applicants must have either completed LaunchSpace’s Engage Program or demonstrate a proven commitment to equivalent training. Throughout the program, they manage real systems, develop operational plans and gain the practical experience needed to move confidently into employment or self-employment. Participants learn core business operations, develop strategic plans, and independently create and execute a marketing approach.
This program is free due to a partnership with the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center. MassHire programs and services are funded by U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration grants.
People can apply for 2026’s Launch Program at launchspace-orange.com/creative-sector-pathway/#launch. Anyone with questions can contact Sid Nordstrom at sid@launchspace-orange.com or 978-633-5131, ext. 102.