We lead conversations.
We build narratives.
We share stories.
Why We Changed the Way We Fund Good Ideas After Five Years
Since 2021, Catalyze has awarded more than $22 million and built a community of practice spanning more than 100 organizations. Dr. Michelle Cheang, Director of Catalyze, shares how the grantmaking process behind those numbers has evolved, and what five years of listening to grantees has taught the team along the way.
Five Years of Catalyze: What We've Learned About Innovation in Career-Connected Learning
As one of the leaders who helped shape Catalyze from the beginning, Jamie Jutila, Senior Program Officer for the Walton Family Foundation Education Program and Chair of the Catalyze Advisory Board, reflects on how both the initiative and the broader career-connected learning field have evolved over the past five years and where they may be headed next.
Catalyzing the Future: Career-Connected Learning at SXSW EDU 2026
For the past five years, Catalyze has supported innovators across the country working to connect learning with opportunity. At SXSW EDU 2026, we were excited to bring that community together in Austin — sharing lessons, sparking new partnerships, and learning alongside educators, employers, and practitioners building the future of career-connected learning (CCL).
Questions We’re Bringing to SXSW EDU
As the Catalyze team heads to SXSW EDU next week, we’re carrying a set of questions rooted in career-connected learning – particularly how we move from early curiosity to meaningful exposure to real opportunity.
Five Insights on Impact: What 2025 Taught Us About Advancing Career-Connected Learning
Insights from the 2025 Impact Report.
Catalyze Challenge Launches $4 Million National Competition to Expand Career-Connected Learning for Young People
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.
SXSW EDU 2026 PanelPicker: Support our Catalyze Grantees!
SXSW EDU is an opportunity for our Catalyze community to take the stage and share their groundbreaking work and innovative programs with the broader community.
Learning in Community: Round Four Cohort Gathers to Advance CCL
Catalyze Round Four grantees gathered in New Orleans to kick off their journey with the Catalyze Community of Practice. Read on to learn how these organizations are leveraging their proven impact to scale innovative CCL models fueled by learning, cross-sector collaboration, and a commitment to meaningful learner outcomes.
Catalyze Awards $3.5 Million to Four Organizations Committed to Expanding Career-Connected Learning Opportunities Nationwide
Catalyze today announced the winners of Round Four of the Catalyze Challenge. In total, four organizations will receive $3.5 million to expand career-connected learning (CCL) opportunities and support meaningful outcomes for learners aged 11-22.