What is LAUNCH?
LAUNCH (Learn, Advocate, Understand, Nurture, Coach, Hope) is typically a one-year, hospital-based rotational volunteer internship designed to help neurodiverse individuals build meaningful connections after high school. Throughout the program, participants explore multiple hospital departments—such as billing, patient transportation, surgical instrument preparation, and more—while they explore roles that align with both their skills and interests.
After mutually agreeing on each LAUNCH member’s goals for the program, we create a plan to help them achieve those mutually agreed upon goals. We work closely with each LAUNCH participant, their families, and the broader Corewell Health team to find placements that reflect each individual's unique strengths, ensuring both personal growth and team success.
A Collaborative Approach
Success in the LAUNCH program depends on strong collaboration between participants, their families, and Corewell Health staff. Everyone has a part to play in helping each team member thrive—this is a shared journey built on communication, consistency, and mutual respect.
Role of the LAUNCH Team Member
We want every LAUNCH participant to make the most of this opportunity. That means being open to growth, building connections, and taking pride in their role. LAUNCH team members are expected to:
Show up with an interest and willingness to learn.
Act professionally and respectfully.
Explore a variety of departments to discover their best fit.
Build positive relationships with mentors, staff, and fellow participants.
Engage with a LAUNCH Coordinator to set goals and track progress.
Commit to the full one-year duration of the program with a consistent weekly schedule.
Uphold themselves to the same standard of work as all Corewell Health team members, including prompt attendance.
Role of the Parent or Guardian
As a parent or guardian, you know your loved one best. Your active support is essential throughout the LAUNCH experience. We ask that parents/guardians:
Participate in the interview process to help us understand your child’s strengths and guide you through the program’s structure.
Attend orientation and onboarding events.
Stay engaged with the LAUNCH Coordinator, responding to communication within 24 hours.
Attend regularly scheduled in-person meetings.
Work with the LAUNCH Coordinator to reinforce professional expectations such as punctuality, proper attire, and appropriate behavior.
Role of Corewell Health
At Corewell Health, we’re dedicated to empowering every LAUNCH team member to find their place in the world. Since the program’s inception, we’ve continuously evolved based on feedback from participants, families, and staff. Our commitments include:
Providing hands-on training for each department rotation and shift.
Coaching participants on both technical and interpersonal (soft) skills.
Connecting LAUNCH members to community resources for continued support beyond the hospital.
Training Corewell Health staff to work confidently and effectively with neurodiverse colleagues.
We’re proud of our LAUNCH alumni who have completed the program and discovered a new path forward. Previous members have:
Been hired by Corewell Health.
Gone to college or vocational schools.
Established a routine volunteer position within the hospital.
Improved social engagement.
Gained confidence and valuable life and soft skills.
Found a new passion.
Beyond LAUNCH
Our Advisory Team
We are deeply grateful for the passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication of our LAUNCH Advisory Board. This outstanding team brings heart and vision to every aspect of the program. Nancy Carlisi, Senior Director of Volunteer Services at Corewell Health East, brings decades of leadership and insight. Betsy Schulte, LAUNCH Founder and Director of Volunteer Services - Grosse Pointe and Troy, continues to inspire and guide the program with compassion and purpose. Clay Vandenbussche, our Volunteer Coordinator, ensures every detail supports participant success. Regan Wright, LAUNCH Educator, plays a vital role in preparing team members for the workplace with skill and care. And Jill Berndtson, our Marketing Manager, helps share the LAUNCH story with the world. Together, their leadership fuels the growth of LAUNCH and ensures every participant feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.