URGENT
Help Us Bridge the Gap for Oakland's Youth
We urgently need to raise at least $10k before the end of the month to ensure our programs continue without interruption.
Awarded A Grant
Back in September 2023, Catalyst Youth Network proudly won a $20,000 Direct Community Grant from the City of Oakland, beating out many other non-profits. This grant was meant to support our Career Bridge programs, providing Oakland youth with paid internships and vital career development opportunities.
Current Situation
Despite our diligent efforts over the past 10 months, we have yet to receive any funds from the grant. Meeting the city’s requirements has cost us roughly $9,000 in expenses for insurance and administrative fees, putting us at a net negative.
Your support today will ensure that Oakland youth receive the pay they deserve from their paid internship. Please make a gift today to support our youth!
Oakland's Financial Challenges
Adding to our concern, the City of Oakland faces a $117,000,000 budget shortfall this fiscal year. This dire financial situation means we have no promise of receiving the grant funds. At best, the funds will be further delayed; at worst, they may never arrive.
Impact on Programs
Without immediate support, our summer internship programs are at serious risk. We may have to delay stipends or push back some of our initiatives, affecting the continuity and quality of the opportunities we provide. This would deprive many young people of timely support and experiences that could shape their futures.
Urgent Need
We urgently need to raise at least $10k before the end of the month to ensure our programs continue without interruption.
Your contribution will directly impact the lives of the youth we serve, helping us:
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Continue offering internships and career development workshops.
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Provide mentorship and support to young people striving to overcome barriers.
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Maintain our commitment to empowering Oakland's next generation.
Will you support Oakland youth internships, today, before it’s too late? Every dollar counts. Your donation, whether large or small, will help us bridge this funding gap and continue making a difference.
Check out some success stories below
Career Bridge Success Stories
Marcel
Quaylin
In an interview with Quaylin, a Career Bridge alumni, we discussed the profound impact the program had on his life. Quaylin shared how he initially overlooked opportunities that later became transformative:
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"A lot of students just walk right past opportunities. Like I said, the first time I used to walk right past the room that Margena was setting up [for a Career Bridge workshop] in. But then the next time around, I came in there, and now, you know, it's been transformative."
One such opportunity was an internship at Intel during his 11th grade:
"In 11th grade, I was granted the opportunity to go to an internship at Intel. The impact that Intel had on my life was big. Being able to be around other professionals and people that are established in life gave me as a high school kid motivation to keep going and follow my passions."
Reflecting on his journey, Quaylin emphasized the long-term benefits of these experiences:
“I strongly believe that if I did not have that internship in high school, I would not be graduating from UC Berkeley."
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Quaylin graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Social Welfare, a testament to the lasting influence of his internship experiences.
Ciarra
Gracie
Gracie, another Career Bridge alumni, reflected on her journey and the significant impact the program had on her personal and professional development. Gracie shared how Career Bridge not only shaped her career path but also inspired her to give back to her community:
"All of the support and the love, as well as the professional experience that I gained through Career Bridge, inspired me to go do work where I am acting as a mentor and a support system for other students. A lot of my peers who participated in the program did the exact same thing."
Gracie emphasized the foundational role Career Bridge played in her education and career:
"I worked at Martin Luther King Elementary School as a tutor and an assistant teacher for their STEM program. This really helped me develop my passion for working with students. The professional experience and financial support that I got from Career Bridge allowed me to live on campus and become a resident assistant, which opened up new career opportunities for me."
Reflecting on the broader impact of the program, Gracie noted:
"It's really important to remember that when you are supporting Career Bridge, you are not only pouring into the students who are currently in the program, but you're also having an impact on everybody that those students can help throughout their careers."
Gracie graduated from California State University, East Bay with a degree in Criminal Justice and Community Corrections, continuing her commitment to making a positive difference in her community.