Today, the Catalyze Challenge announced the launch of Round 5, a multi-phase national funding opportunity designed to support bold, early-stage ideas that help young people explore careers, build real-world skills, and discover their purpose. With $4 million in grants and awards, Round 5 aims to expand access to high-quality career-connected learning (CCL) pathways in communities across the country.

When partners take the time to get aligned from the start, everyone benefits. In this Q&A, we unpack how vision-setting shapes stronger employer partnerships and more meaningful learning experiences.

Strong programs start with shared purpose. In this post, we look at how employers and learning providers can collaborate to create experiences that honor learner aspirations while addressing real-world workforce challenges.

Catalyze hosted Jennifer Mellor from the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, a Catalyze grantee, and Ron Mack from Mayo Clinic for a fireside chat about ElevateEdAZ’s collaboration with Mayo Clinic. Through this relationship, Mayo Clinic employs Arizona high school students as paid interns, offering learners direct experience in health care, IT, and operations roles. 

Applications are now open for Round Three of the Catalyze Birmingham Challenge, a grantmaking initiative offering up to $250,000 to advance career-connected learning across the Birmingham Region. The application window will close on November 7, 2025.

Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation will use Catalyze funding to expand ElevateEdAZ’s structured career exploration and work-based learning to seven new high schools in Arizona via meaningful employer partnerships and co-designed CTE programs.

Propel America will use Catalyze funding to launch new earn-and-learn pathways for Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician roles in Los Angeles and Philadelphia alongside three new employer partners.

American Student Opportunity Collaborative is using Catalyze funding to expand virtual and in-person middle school career exploration programming to rural communities in Colorado and Ohio through their partnership with National Rural Education Association.

We recently surveyed more than 1,400 learners across Catalyze-funded programs to better understand how CCL is impacting their lives. Their voices and insights are both inspiring and affirming–powerful reminders of why this work matters and how it’s making a difference. 

CareerWise USA is using Catalyze funding to implement two new employer-driven youth apprenticeship models in Colorado and New York through sector strategies that activate industry associations and business intermediary organizations.