Dannyelle Austin and Lisa Richardson On Catalayze: A Career-Connected Commnuity of Practice
Jan 15, 2025
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Dannyelle Austin, Executive Director at Launchpad, and Lisa Richardson, Project Lead of Catalyze, delve into career-connected learning innovations. They discuss how Catalyze has awarded over $14 million to empower 65,000 students nationwide through mentor-driven programs. Austin highlights the 'learn and earn' model, linking education to practical tech experiences and soft skills development. Together, they emphasize the importance of community partnerships in expanding career pathways and fostering economic mobility for underrepresented youth.
Catalyze significantly improves career readiness by empowering over 65,000 students through financial support and a strong community of practice.
Launchpad’s innovative program equips high school students with technical skills and real-world experiences, preparing them for lucrative tech careers.
Deep dives
Catalyze's Innovative Approach to Career-Connected Learning
Catalyze is focused on enhancing career-connected learning through innovative programs. It emphasizes three key initiatives: providing grant funding to organizations, fostering a strong community of practice, and sharing transformative stories to impact the overall field. Since its inception in 2021, Catalyze has awarded over $14 million to 60 organizations, highlighting the importance of learner agency in navigating career paths. Research indicates that 70% of participants in Catalyze programs feel equipped to pursue their careers, compared to only 29% of students surveyed nationwide, showcasing the significant impact of their initiatives.
Launchpad's Model for Accelerating Student Pathways
Launchpad aims to create accelerated pathways to high-paying technology careers for high school students in Philadelphia. Their two-and-a-half-year program, encompassing students from over 30 high schools, allows learners to earn up to $18,000 alongside gaining essential technical and transferable skills. The program incorporates a competency-based model to ensure students are college- and career-ready by the end of their journey, and participants can earn up to 30 college credits while gaining practical experience. By partnering with universities, Launchpad offers students valuable credits and insights to pursue further education or careers in tech.
Empowering Students Through Unique Experiences
The Launchpad program offers students a variety of key experiences that nurture their growth and career readiness. Students engage in substantial coding instruction, such as 200 hours of Python training, and can earn industry certifications that enhance their employment prospects. Additionally, the program facilitates meaningful internships with technology companies, allowing students to work on real projects that address community issues, like developing a grocery app to assist local consumers. This hands-on approach not only provides technical skills but also cultivates critical problem-solving and collaboration abilities among participants.
Adapting to the Evolving Landscape of Technology
The rapid evolution of technology, including the integration of AI, poses both challenges and opportunities for new learners. Launchpad recognizes the need for students to understand coding's fundamentals while effectively using AI tools to enhance their skill sets and productivity. This dynamic approach ensures that students are prepared for continuous learning and adaptation in their careers, which could encompass multiple job roles over time. By maintaining partnerships with industry leaders and employers, Launchpad ensures that its curriculum remains relevant, effectively equipping learners for an unpredictable future.
In today's episode, we're diving into the transformative world of career-connected learning with two pioneers leading the charge. Joining us are Dannyelle Austin, the executive director at Launchpad, and Lisa Richardson, the project lead of Catalyze. Catalyze is dedicated to reshaping how students interact with potential career pathways by fostering a community of practice that connects educational innovation with real-world career opportunities. Since its inception, it has awarded over $14 million to numerous organizations, impacting over 65,000 students nationwide. This initiative empowers students by enhancing their agency and readiness for future careers, particularly in tech, through innovative programs like Launchpad.