Become a Launch Academy Sponsor
The ICSC Launch Academy experiential learning and internship program is designed to help companies from all sectors of the marketplaces industry gain access to a pipeline of ambitious, college students from historically underrepresented backgrounds for summer internship opportunities. Since its inception in 2021, the Launch Academy has successfully placed over 70 interns with companies around the country, several of them receiving full-time job offers upon graduation. BIPOC college students are strongly encouraged to apply.
What does BIPOC mean?
BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
To gain access to Launch Academy candidates, please click here to complete the Launch Academy sponsor company form.
Benefits for Sponsor Companies
- Intentional Talent Sourcing and Preparation
The Launch Academy team will identify a slate of ambitious and talented candidates for your consideration. Before starting the interview process, every candidate must participate in a two-part Saturday Academy designed to offer them an introduction to the retail real estate industry and the opportunity to explore potential career paths within our sector. Once hired, Launch Academy interns are required to participate in an immersive virtual learning experience that provides relevant industry knowledge and the professional skills needed for a successful internship. - Access to a Wider Network of Candidates
The Launch Academy has engaged students from over 130 universities and colleges across the country. The ICSC Foundation employs an array of tools to reach potential candidates, including outreach to students at all 60 of our university partners. The Foundation’s relocation assistance grant allows companies to consider Launch Academy applicants without taking on the financial responsibility of helping interns with travel and temporary housing costs. - Brand Exposure
Sponsor companies are invited to participate in our virtual showcase series. Specially designed to expose Launch Academy interns to the breadth of career paths available within the industry, these showcases are an opportunity for sponsor companies to highlight not only career opportunities within their company but also the impact of their work and their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Your involvement with the Launch Academy will also be promoted on the Launch Academy webpage and at ICSC events, including the Diversity Reception at ICSC Las Vegas
As a sponsor, you are expected to:
- Commit to at least one paid summer internship
- On average, Launch Academy interns made $18 per hour in 2023.
- Assign one person as point of contact for ICSC Team
- Review applicant packets and maintain consistent communication with Launch Academy staff regarding interview plans
- Interview Launch Academy applicants that meet your specifications
- We strongly encourage companies to conduct no more than 3 interviews per candidate.
- Identify a mentor for your Launch Academy intern – someone in addition to their supervisor (ICSC can help with this.)
- Make a $2,500 tax-deductible contribution to the ICSC Foundation for the Launch Academy to help defray program expenses
- Submit application here.
- Provide a job description, including:
- Job responsibilities
- Compensation: Hourly wage (Average = $18.00) + other perks (housing, lunch, etc.)
- Location: In Person (City, State) / Remote / Hybrid
- Start & end dates (approximate is fine)
- The class level of student you seek (Sophomore, Junior, etc.)
- Schedule a meeting with Launch Academy team to discuss participation goals
For more information, please contact
The member organization for industry advancement, ICSC promotes and elevates the marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather as foundational and vital ingredients of communities and economies. For more information about ICSC visit www.icsc.com.
The ICSC Foundation is the non-profit, charitable arm of ICSC dedicated to creating a vibrant marketplaces industry by building a pipeline of bright, ambitious, and diverse talent that can drive the industry forward. For more information, please visit www.icsc.com/foundation.