Interpreter Launchpad Program
Are you a recent graduate of an interpreter education program or a non-certified interpreter with less than 5 years of work experience?
This 10-month apprenticeship program is designed for graduates of interpreter education programs who are transitioning into the interpreting profession. Many novice interpreters encounter a readiness-to-work gap after graduation, as they move from structured academic environments into freelance interpreting without clear support, guidance, or feedback. This gap is often marked by uncertainty around skill development, professional decision-making, and preparation for national certification.
Over the course of the program, participants will progress through a series of monthly modules, each targeting a key area of development: skill-building, ethical decision-making, interpreting in professional settings, reflective self-assessment, cultural competence, business practices, video remote interpreting, and performance exam preparation. Participants will receive guided practice, mentoring, and access to expert models, as well as opportunities for critical reflection and growth.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate effective skill-focused practice techniques to improve interpreting proficiency.
- Apply interpreting strategies in diverse work settings.
- Identify strategies to continuously evaluate and enhance interpreting performance.
- Develop strategies for interpreting job interviews, including in-person and video-based formats.
- Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to real-world and exam scenarios.
- Implement business strategies for managing finances, marketing, and professional networking.
- Effectively interpret in video remote interpreting (VRI) settings while utilizing appropriate technology.
- Prepare for professional performance exams through structured practice and self-reflection
How to Apply
We’re excited to welcome applicants for the upcoming cohort of the Interpreter Launchpad Program—a 10-month, remote, skill-building experience designed to support emerging interpreters as they transition into professional practice.
Application Process
To ensure a good fit for this cohort-based program, all applicants must complete the following multi-step process.
Step 1: Online Application Form
You’ll begin by completing a brief application form where you’ll share:
- Contact and background information
- Interpreter education program and graduation year
- Current interpreting status (provisional, student, working, etc.)
- Confirmation of weekly availability (approx. 5–8 hours/week)
- Written English response to a short essay question:
- In 250–400 words, describe why you are applying to the Interpreter Launchpad Program. What do you hope to gain from this experience, and how will you stay committed over the 10 months?
Step 2: Video Submission Portfolio
After submitting the form, you’ll be asked to provide video samples that help us understand your current skills and readiness.
Applicants must submit:
- ASL response to a prompt provided
- ASL → English interpretation of a provided video
- English → ASL interpretation of a provided video
- Self-assessment (either written or signed) of one of the two interpretations
All videos must be uploaded to a sharable platform (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive) and linked in your application.
Step 3: Review & Selection
Applications are reviewed by a committee of interpreter educators and mentors using a standardized rubric.
We are accepting up to 20 participants in this cohort. Applicants will be notified of their status via email prior to orientation.
Cost: $775
Noncredit Program Refund Policy
Refunds for noncredit programs will be granted if the class is canceled or if you withdraw no later than the day before the first class. Refunds are not available after class begins.
Questions?
If you have questions about the application process, please contact Brian Morrison at bmorrison [at] ccp.edu.