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).

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.

Insights from the 2025 Impact Report.

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.