OUR IMPACT
The Difference We Make Together
HOPE TAKES ROOT
MEET JASMINE
"One of my kids at first felt really distant to me, but soon I was able to get them to open up and make jokes and actually enjoy math. Then one of my kids bought me flowers and wrote me a letter—it makes me smile that I have possibly made that much of an impact on such a young person's life."
— Jasmine*, CareerBridge Intern
That moment changed everything for Jasmine. What started as a summer internship became a revelation about her own potential. She learned that teaching isn't just about explaining concepts, it's about showing up consistently, reading each student differently, and creating space where struggling learners can find joy in discovery.
Jasmine walked away from her CareerBridge internship with more than tutoring experience. She gained clarity about her future and confidence in her ability to make a difference in young people's lives. This is where hope took root for the students she taught and for Jasmine herself.
*Interns name changed to protect minor's privacy
Marcel graduated this year with honors and as Valedictorian at his school. "This is just the beginning" he told his classmates in his valedictorian speech.
A LEADERS JOURNEY
MEET MARCEL
Through Catalyst's programs, Marcel found community and belonging. "It was somewhere where we felt wanted," he remembers. That foundation led to bigger opportunities. Career Bridge connected him to an internship in civic engagement, exposing him to city council meetings and local government in ways he never imagined.
The real transformation was internal. "It's helped me gain confidence and knowing that there's people out there that actually care," Marcel shares. Through the Leadership Academy, he also learned what leadership really means: "The greatest leaders learn from people around them and I already knew that, but just hearing it and seeing it helped me apply it more."
Now serving on the Emerging Leaders Advisory Board, Marcel is giving back. "I see myself doing some type of work in the city to give back." Marcel's journey from student to intern to leader shows what's possible when young people experience belonging and build confidence through real opportunities.
This is the kind of transformation Catalyst is working to bring to Oakland youth.
How Your Support Changes Lives
Rooted in Hope
Career Bridge gives Oakland youth their first professional experience, paid internships, career coaching, and proof that someone believes in their future. Hope begins with opportunity.
Grow in Belonging
Through mentorship and community, youth discover they're not alone. They matter. They're supported, challenged, and celebrated as they develop their skills and find their purpose.
Rise in Confidence
Leadership Academy provides intensive development for youth ready to lead. With comprehensive training and unwavering support, they step into their power and transform Oakland's future.
CareerBridge Impact 2025
Grew in confidence and clarity about their future.
92%
Say mentorship was key
to their growth.
85%
Would recommend CareerBridge to a friend
100%
When investment meets opportunity,
youth come back and bring others with them.
Last summer of 2025, 45 Oakland youth gained hands-on experience through Career Bridge internships across six sites. 28 out of 45 interns were either returning students or referrals from past participants.
Each returning intern reflects sustained growth. Each referral speaks to the transformative power of an experience worth sharing.
Catalyst's impact is multiplying through relationships.
Empowering Youth in 2025
Total Student Served
172
Every student served reminds us that change begins when opportunity meets support.
Students In Workshops
85
Every workshop brought students one step closer to their goals, and to believing in what they can achieve.
Paid Summer Interns
45
Real experience. Real growth.
45 stories of youth stepping
boldly into their future.
Your Impact in Action
Every gift creates real change for Oakland youth.
Here's what your support makes possible:
$135
Funds one month of Career Bridge workshops for a student building their foundation for professional life.
$270
Covers a student's complete Career Bridge workshop experience: job readiness training and the skills to succeed in their first role.
Provides one month of a paid internship: real wages, mentorship, and proof that they belong in professional spaces.
$850
Supports one month of Leadership Academy. Intensive development for emerging leaders ready to rise.
$1280
$2560
Fully funds one complete Career Bridge internship, from first paycheck to professional confidence.
$5000+
Join our Leadership Circle and invest in the full pathway from workshop to leadership.