As we head to Horizons, we're excited to reconnect with members of the Catalyze community and learn from partners and programs across the country that are also helping more young people access meaningful pathways to the future. Every conference offers a chance to step back, reflect on what’s working, and gather new ideas that can strengthen our collective efforts. Here are five things we’re especially excited to explore in D.C.

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.

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. 

What was the biggest takeaway from Catalyze at SXSW EDU 2025? Careers aren’t linear, and neither is learning. Career-Connected Learning (CCL) provides the roadmap that empowers all learners to design their own journeys.

Catalyze can’t wait to see you at SXSW EDU 2025! We will host two sessions this year — both designed to strengthen the career-connected learning community and unlock insights and ideas that advance fulfilling career opportunities for learners around the country.

Understanding and addressing the complexities of career-connected learning is essential to creating accessible and innovative career pathways for learners.  As one of the nation's largest communities of practice focused on career-connected learning, Catalyze is at the forefront of transforming how learners aged 11-22 engage with education and career opportunities.

With increased federal and state-level funding to expand programs, career-connected learning has seen a growing sense of momentum. As a result, a deeper understanding of its benefits and applications has emerged, providing greater clarity on the topic overall.

Catalyze’s 2023 Impact Report uncovered crucial insights into what works in the current career-connected learning landscape

Catalyze is excited to sponsor SXSW EDU 2024 — one of the nation’s leading education conferences that tackles complex issues and drives real impact.