WHEN HOPE GROWS, LEADERS RISE

From First Opportunity to Community Leader

Through Career Bridge's Path-to-Math program, Jasmine spent her summer as a math tutor. "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."

That moment changed everything for Jasmine. She discovered her ability to make a difference through genuine connection with students, and gained clarity about her future in education.

For Marcel, the journey went even further. After starting at Catalyst 3 years ago, he found community and belonging, directing him to a clear path for his future. "It was somewhere where we felt wanted," he remembers. Career Bridge connected him to an internship in civic engagement, exposing him to city council meetings and local government he never imagined accessing.

Through the Leadership Academy, Marcel's transformation deepened. "It's helped me gain confidence, knowing that there's people out there that actually care." He learned what leadership really means: "The greatest leaders learn from people around them." Now serving on the Emerging Leaders Advisory Board, Marcel is giving back, serving as a catalyst for students a part of the Catalyst family. "I see myself doing some type of work in the city to give back."

This is the complete journey your gift creates. From first internship to confident leader.

Make This Transformation Possible

Your year-end gift funds the complete journey:

$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.
$850 Provides one month of a paid internship: real wages, mentorship, and proof that they belong in professional spaces.
$1280 Supports one month of Leadership Academy. Intensive development for emerging leaders ready to rise.
$2560 Fully funds one complete Career Bridge internship, from first paycheck to professional confidence.

When you give by December 31, you're not just supporting a program, you're investing in Oakland's future leaders.

Every dollar creates opportunity. Every opportunity builds confidence. Every confident young leader transforms our community.

Growing Hope in Oakland

By Catalyst Youth Network

Growing Hope in Oakland

Team Members