PROGRAMS
CAREER BRIDGE
CAREER BRIDGE
Opening Doors to Opportunity and Confidence
CareerBridge connects young people with paid internships, mentors, and hands-on experience that prepare them for life beyond high school. Through Friday workshops and one-on-one coaching, students grow in confidence, professionalism, and community. Each year, more participants return or bring their friends, proof that when young people feel supported, they don’t just learn about careers, they begin to see their future with new eyes.
CAREER BRIDGE
Job Readiness Workshops
Building Skills & Confidence Year-Round
Our job readiness workshops run throughout the school year in classrooms across Oakland. Students learn how to communicate professionally, set goals, manage time, and navigate real workplace expectations. These sessions help youth build confidence long before they step into an internship, bridging the gap between classroom learning and career readiness.
Paid Summer Internships
Creating Opportunity That Pays Off
Each summer, students put their new skills into action through paid internships that offer meaningful, hands-on experience. For many, it is their first time being paid for their work, a crucial step toward independence and stability. Paid internships open doors that might otherwise stay closed and allow youth to focus on learning, growing, and contributing without the barrier of unpaid labor.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
CAREER BRIDGE
Raising Up Leaders Who Lead with Purpose
The Catalyst Leadership Academy invests in emerging young leaders from Oakland, helping them grow in confidence, purpose, and practical leadership. Students engage in real projects, build meaningful relationships, and gain exposure to leaders across a variety of industries.
CAREER BRIDGE
Leadership in Action
Students participate in coaching sessions, team challenges, and community projects that stretch their leadership skills. They learn to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and navigate real-world problems with creativity and courage.
Lasting Impact & Opportunity
Graduates join the Emerging Leaders Advisory Board, where they help shape future programs and mentor new students. Each participant leaves with professional connections, a stronger sense of identity, and the confidence to create change in their schools, workplaces, and communities.
YOUTH CENTER
A Proven Model, Built in Phases
At Catalyst, we believe in building things that last. Our Youth Center isn’t just an idea; it’s a model that has already shown what’s possible. Through our pilot, we created a space where students feel seen, supported, and connected. Now we’re moving forward with intention, growing what worked and strengthening what’s next.
Phase 1 - Completed
Pilot and Proof of Concept
In 2022–2024, Catalyst operated a pilot Youth Center in West Oakland. Over the course of the pilot we provided a safe, welcoming space where teens could study, play games, connect with mentors, and build community.
Impact: High attendance, returning participants, and measurable growth in student confidence and belonging.
Outcome: The pilot confirmed a strong demand for a consistent, youth-centered third space in Oakland.
Phase 2 - CURRENT
Development & Fundraising
We are now building the foundation for a permanent Youth Center by securing the resources, partnerships, and location needed for long-term sustainability.
Focus Areas:
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Site planning and partnership development
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Securing capital and program funding
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Designing a scalable staffing and volunteer model.
Goal:
To raise the funds and infrastructure needed to open the permanent center within the next few years.
Phase 3 - Future
Launch and Expansion
When fully funded, the Catalyst Youth Center will reopen as a permanent community hub. A safe space for belonging, mentorship, and growth.
Planned Features:
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Drop-in after-school hours
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Workshops, tutoring, and creative labs
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Leadership development opportunities
Long-Term Vision: A replicable model that can expand into other Oakland Area Area neighborhoods.