Catalyze

As the year ends, the Catalyze team thanks our community of practitioners and supporters. Together, we have made significant progress in career-connected learning and innovating programs for learners. Thanks to your commitment, more young people than ever before are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed. Looking ahead to 2025 — we are inspired by the impact we’ve achieved together and excited about the possibilities ahead. Here’s to creating brighter and more equitable futures for all students! #careerconnectedlearning #skills #education

📚 Our Learner Voice Series features alumni and current participants of Catalyze-supported career-connected learning programs. Check out this clip featuring Michelle Cheang, Ed.D. (she/her/ella), director of Catalyze, and E.J. Garcia, an intern at Hopeworks, to hear about how he has developed his career readiness, self-efficacy and self-awareness. Visit our blog in the comment section below for more! ⬇️ #skills #careerconnectedlearning #education #careerexploration

🔔 Catalyze grantee The Hidden Genius Project is transforming economic mobility for young learners by combining technology training, entrepreneurship, and leadership development with community-focused mentorship. As shared by Annie Duong-Turner, American Student Assistance, The Hidden Genius Project emphasizes the importance of building durable, transferable skills through real-world experiences. Their mission extends beyond individual achievement — creating a ripple effect of mentorship and empowerment that uplifts entire communities and geographies. Visit the full article for more! 👏 https://lnkd.in/etBJkuT8 #careerconnectedlearning #skills #education

Our Learner Voice Series features alumni and current participants of Catalyze-supported career-connected learning programs. Check out this clip featuring Michelle Cheang, Ed.D. (she/her/ella), director of Catalyze, and Izzy Fitzgerald, a learner with The Reinvention Lab at Teach For America, to learn about how she has developed her career readiness, self-efficacy and self-awareness. Visit our blog in the comment section below for more! #skills #careerconnectedlearning #education #careerexploration

3️⃣ In part three of our insights series, we explore how K-12 partnerships are essential for the success and expansion of career-connected learning. These collaborations not only provide learners with early exposure to career paths but also ensure that programs align with school-based outcomes — fostering stronger engagement and long-term success. Check out our latest blog for more on how our Catalyze grantee practitioners are driving impact across diverse communities and identifying areas for growth, especially in underserved and rural regions. ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eDVmG6uX #careerconnectedlearning #skills #education

🗣️ “They helped me prepare for interviews, build a strong resume and pursue my career dreams.” — Collegiate Academies participant We’re celebrating Next Level NOLA (NLN) — a program by Collegiate Academies — and its innovative and impactful career-connected learning models. With a 90% satisfaction rate, NLN is spotlighted as a model of holistic career development. • 86% of alumni find their work meaningful. • 80% of alumni feel NLN prepared them for success in their current roles. NLN’s 13th-Year Fellowship Program provides learners with career exploration and wraparound support to thrive after high school and pursue meaningful futures. Visit the link below for more on what sets this program apart! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ehf3RtYQ #careerdevelopment #workforcedevelopment #careerconnectedlearning #futureofwork

We’re so thankful to lead such a dedicated and enthusiastic community of practice working to advance career-connected learning in education and the workforce. This work is monumental — and we’re proud of all the progress and innovations being made on behalf of learners and their futures. Happy Thanksgiving from the Catalyze team! 🦃 #careerconnectedlearning #education #skills

🚀 Our Catalyze Case Studies highlight innovative and impactful career-connected learning models from our community of practice. Launchpad, a program by Building 21, offers a blend of coding bootcamps and real-world experience and is setting Philadelphia’s youth on a path to success in IT. With certifications, paid internships, and high-demand skills, learners are set up for fulfilling careers. Here’s how: • 77% of learners developed clearer career goals and began taking actionable steps toward achieving them. • 80% of participants reported increased confidence in decision-making, goal-setting, and problem resolution. • Learners earn up to $18,000 through stipends and internships, breaking barriers to career access. Launchpad empowers learners to achieve first-year earnings of $50,000 or more in high-growth tech fields. Visit the link below for more on what sets this program apart! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ehf3RtYQ #tech #STEMeducation #careerconnectedlearning #futureofwork

💼 Strong employer engagement is critical for impactful career-connected learning. Through industry partnerships, our community of practice offers learners invaluable opportunities to explore pathways and develop the skills needed for long-term success. In part two of our Insights Series, we detail how our comprehensive analysis reveals that partnerships are not only bridging the gap between education and the workforce — but shaping future-ready learners equipped for meaningful careers! Catalyze identified three levels of employer engagement that play a pivotal role in enhancing career-connected learning: ✏️ Career Awareness (67%) ✏️ Career Preparation (75%) ✏️ Employment & Advancement (27%) Check out our full blog for more and stay tuned for part three as we explore more insights. 📊 https://lnkd.in/e8BZsSrm #careerconnectedlearning #skills #education

🗣️ “I didn’t think I’d have opportunities like this, but now I feel more confident in my skills and future.” — Oregon STEM intern We’re celebrating Spark Oregon — a career-connected learning program from Oregon STEM — and its impact on young adults in rural areas. Through nearly 500 industry partnerships and paid internships — the grantee has helped learners collectively earn over $314,000! 💪 With robust wraparound support, learners are set up for both personal and professional growth. Explore more about Spark Oregon’s real-world impact and download their Catalyze Case Study at the link in the comment section below! ⬇️ #workbasedlearning #careerconnectedlearning #construction #futureofwork