Catalyst Center Grant Program

catalyst grant program logo

Empowering Students

Utah’s Catalyst Center Grant Program funds learning centers that bridge the classroom and the workplace, empowering students to shape their futures.

What is the Catalyst Center Grant Program?

The Catalyst Center Grant Program, created by Utah's H.B. 447, establishes a grant program to help local education agencies (LEAs) create or expand catalyst centers. The purpose of the program is to support LEAs in creating and expanding these centers to align with labor market needs and state career and technical education goals and drive student engagement.

Read more about the Legislation

Catalyst building

What is a Catalyst Center?

A Catalyst Center is a profession-based learning hub that bridges classroom education with real-world experience. These centers give students the opportunity to explore careers, gain hands-on skills, and work on projects shaped by industry partners. By blending academics with practical learning, Catalyst Centers spark curiosity, ignite opportunities, and prepare students for success in college, career, and life.
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Eligibility Criteria

Applications must be submitted from the local education agency (LEA) and not an individual school. LEAs include school districts, charter schools, and the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

Grantees

Planning grant awardees

  • Beehive Science and Technology Academy
  • Duchesne County School District
  • Freedom Prep Academy
  • Garfield School District
  • Grand County School District
  • Juab School District
  • Morgan School District
  • NUAMES
  • Providence Hall
  • South Sanpete School District
  • Summit Academy
  • Terra Academy
  • Uintah School District
  • Utah Connections Academy
  • Walden School

Implementation grant awardees

  • Cache County School District
  • Canyons School District
  • Davis School District
  • Granite School District
  • Iron County School District
  • Kane County School District
  • Murray School District
  • Park City School District
  • Pinnacle Canyon Academy
  • Provo City School District
  • San Juan School District
  • Wasatch School District
  • Weber School District

 

 

Contact Information

Stephanie N. Patton, EdD
Catalyst Center Grant Program Director
Phone: (801) 538-7989 | Email

Utah State Board of Education
250 East 500 South
PO Box 144200
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200

 

Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce Together

Industry partners play a vital role in Catalyst Centers by bringing real-world expertise into the classroom. By mentoring students, providing industry projects, or sharing professional insights, you help bridge education and the workplace. Your involvement not only prepares students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed but also builds a stronger, more future-ready workforce for Utah.