FAQ: The Launch Initiative

Helping students achieve their professional education goals

What is The Launch Initiative?

The Launch Initiative empowers rising graduate students to overcome the financial and systemic barriers of rigorous admissions processes through mentorship, scholarships, and community. 

Is The Launch Initiative only for medical school or other health sciences?

No! We will support students pursuing any graduate-level education program. In our first year, we’ve focused on recruiting students in the health sciences, but we welcome all undergraduates who are looking for mentoring and support.

How do students apply?

Please visit our website for more information on application cycles.

Do all cohort members receive financial support?

While our goal is to welcome all students into our annual cohort, financial support for in-person graduate interviews will be limited to those students who demonstrate need (based on undergraduate aid received). There will be a mid-year scholarship application for interested students, prior to the interview cycle.

Tell me more about being in the cohort?

The Launch Initiative cohort format is a unique opportunity for students to build and grow their personal and professional networks. Throughout the year, every scholar will not only work with their dedicated mentor on graduate school admissions and interview prep, but they will also experience several full-cohort networking and educational sessions (virtually). These workshops, guest speakers, and peer-to-peer support opportunities are the foundation for ongoing engagement throughout your career – former mentees will become mentors and leaders, and The Launch Initiative will be there to support all the many phases of your professional journey. The cohort is not just a one-year experience, but a lifetime opportunity to learn and give back.   

How many students have you supported so far?

Our leadership has been mentoring students individually for many years. In 2025, we decided to formalize this work by starting The Launch Initiative – and hopefully reach more students. You can learn more about our past mentees here.

Where do you operate?

We work with students virtually and in-person across the country.

Why did you start this nonprofit?

The Launch Initiative was created with a singular purpose—to mentor, empower, and guide students as they navigate their professional education journey. Founded by Drs. Tuan Nguyen, Thuy Nguyen, and Joseph Braud, the organization is deeply rooted in their personal experiences. Each of them faced and overcame significant obstacles on their paths to success, inspiring them to establish The Launch Initiative as a way to open doors for the next generation.