In May, we shared how Catalyze designs our Learning Labs to move beyond traditional networking and create space for meaningful peer learning. There, we highlighted insights from our panel discussion featuring leaders from CareerWise and Propel America, who offered reflections on what it takes to scale impact thoughtfully and sustainably.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Catalyze’s recent webinar Insights and Learnings from the Catalyze Community of Practice brought together leaders from CUNY, New Bridge Cleveland and nXu for an engaging conversation about social capital and a holistic approach to career-connected learning.