Join us for an unforgettable extravaganza as we celebrate a decade of LaunchCode’s groundbreaking contributions to the tech industry and workforce at large, making it more diverse, inclusive, and equitable than ever before! Get ready to be whisked away into a world where innovation meets empowerment, and where we proudly showcase the transformative impact of our organization.

Stellar Soirée is a star-filled celebration supporting the revolutionary impact of LaunchCode on the tech industry and individuals’ lives. So, join us as we cheers to 10 years of impact on the tech industry. Together, we can create a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute, succeed, and shape the future of technology.

Thursday, September 28, 2023
The James S. McDonnell Planetarium
5100 Clayton Avenue in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Come as you are or wear your glittery galactic attire!

Ticket Options
Supernova Supporter: $300/person + processing fees
Includes recognition of your additional support of LaunchCode at the event
General Admission: $150/person + processing fees

✨ Win a Week Stay on Cape Cod! ✨
Purchase your raffle tickets for a chance to win a week stay at an extremely private classic Cape Cod home situated on 3.5 acres and perched on a bluff overlooking Little Pleasant Bay and Nauset Outer Beach! With breathtaking water views from almost every room and four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this home sleeps 8 comfortably. For more details on this phenomenal getaway opportunity on a mutually agreeable date July-October 2024 and to purchase your tickets, click here. You do not need to be present to win. $150/ticket with only 150 tickets available! Winner will be drawn at 9:40 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2023 at Stellar Soirée.

Event Schedule

5:30 - 6:30 PM: Cocktail Reception - Outside & Lobby
Galactic Glam Face Art - Mini-Astrology Readings
Signature Cocktail- Appetizers- Open Bar
6:30 PM: Move into the Planetarium
Dinner - Open Bar
7:10 PM: Star Show
7:20 PM: Live Program
Remarks from LaunchCode’s new CEO, Julian Nicks
Stellar Awards Presentation - LaunchCode’s Impact - Fund A Need
8:00 - 10:00 PM: After Party - Lobby
DJ & Dancing - Open Bar - Dessert Tables - Virtual Reality Rides
Mini-Astrology Readings - Galactic Glam Face Art

Menu

Cocktail Reception – Lobby + Outside
Mediterranean Board: grilled vegetables, marinated olives, marinated buffalo mozzarella, garlic hummus, and pita chips
Edward’s Elixir: white rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine syrup

Dinner – Planetarium
Penne Pasta and Mediterranean Mixed Vegetables with Kale Pesto (nut-free + vegetarian + gluten-free)
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Long Grain Rice, Wild Mushrooms, and Butternut Squash with Garlic Puree (vegan)
Braised Top Round with Onion, Carrots, and Potatoes with Pan Jus
Chicken Tinga with a Spanish Rice with Whipped Avocado

Dessert – Lobby
Assorted Petit Fours

Stellar Awards
As LaunchCode celebrates 10 years of innovation, growth and inclusive tech career opportunities, we’re also celebrating the people and corporate partners who have made that possible.

• Stellar Employer Partner Award Recipient: Mastercard

Companies who hire differently and recruit talent based on passion, drive, and proven aptitude, rather than traditional credentials, are at the heart of what makes LaunchCode’s work possible. This award honors a corporate partner who has shown their dedication to hiring outside of the box and sourcing diverse, driven tech talent from multiple pathways like LaunchCode.

• Stellar Community Partner Award Recipient: Berges Family Foundation

Thanks to our broad community of supporters who invest in our work, LaunchCode is able to leave a resounding economic impact in the communities we serve. This award honors an individual, family, or organization who has helped LaunchCode achieve its mission to pave pathways for people of all backgrounds and experiences through philanthropy, volunteerism, and/or collaboration.

• Stellar Staff Award Recipient: Carrie Jones

Day in and day out, LaunchCode’s staff works tirelessly to pave more accessible, equitable pathways for folks from all walks of life to start tech careers. From those involved in delivering our courses, connecting our graduates with employers and all those working behind the scenes, these staff members make LaunchCode’s impact possible. This award honors a staff member who goes above and beyond in their work and support of the LaunchCode community.

• Stellar Alumni Award Recipient: Bonnie Why

Over the past ten years, more than 3,300 individuals have started tech careers through LaunchCode — adding new perspectives, ideas, and transferable skills to today’s tech workforce. This inaugural award honors a LaunchCode alum who has significantly progressed in their tech career, and tirelessly advocates on behalf of LaunchCode's mission, paving the way for more LaunchCoders to access a life-changing career in technology.

Celebrating Ten Years of LaunchCode's Impact

• 2013: Jim McKelvey founds LaunchCode and its tech apprenticeship program in St. Louis
• 2014: LaunchCode begins presenting free tech education courses
• 2015: President Obama praises LaunchCode’s workforce development programs in a speech
• 2016: President Biden visits LaunchCode
• 2017: LaunchCode begins presenting Women+ courses (formerly known as CoderGirl) to bring more women into the tech workforce
• 2018: MO Governor Parson visits LaunchCode
• 2019: MO Dept. of Higher Ed and Workforce Development starts supporting LaunchCode
• 2020: LaunchCode begins presenting programs to train military veterans with in-demand security clearances 
• 2021: LaunchCode begins presenting programs to train incarcerated Missourians
• 2022: LaunchCode helps 3,000th participants start a career in technology
• 2023: The newly-renovated LaunchCode HQ hosts first classes

Stellar Soirée is a luminous, star-filled celebration supporting the revolutionary impact of LaunchCode on the tech industry and individuals’ lives. So, join us as we cheers to 10 years of impact on the tech industry. Together, we can create a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute, succeed, and shape the future of technology.