Most of us have never been taught how to study our unique design and as a result, fall short of the impact we could be making.  At Catalyst, we have created a simple path for helping teens, young adults and organizations discover what sets them apart and how to leverage their uniqueness to develop their passions and achieve their goals.  

In the summer of 2011, our Founder and Executive Director, Joe Elliott, along with 5 high school interns began to dream about what it would look like to really engage the hearts and minds of teens and young adults. They envisioned a place that was accessible 24­/7, where friendships could be forged and lives could be challenged. A community where students could learn new skills, creatively express themselves and discover who they are uniquely created to be. It would feel like a home away from home, or for most young people today, it would feel like the only stable, genuine community they have ever experienced. With a group of a dozen volunteers and an $800/month operating budget, Catalyst Teen Center was incorporated in May of 2012 and received 501(c)3 status in July of 2013.

Since inception, Catalyst has increased in reach and effectiveness serving teens and young adults from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities and challenging life experiences. Catalyst has grown from a small group of less than 50 teens and young adults in 2012 to a vibrant community where thousands are being impacted each year.

And the story is only beginning.

In 2016, we re-branded under the name Catalyst Collective which is the umbrella for all our initiatives locally and nationally.  

As the Catalyst Collective, we are focusing our efforts on the expansion of our award winning programs in schools, opening our first physical space and guiding teens, young adults and organizations in their journey to discover what sets them a part and how to maximize their impact on the world.

Joe Elliott
Founder & Executive Director