Graduate Support is an important component of the Catalyst Schools. Our graduates are destined for college and important roles in life. First Generatio-- Countdown to College was initiated by Ed Siderewicz,Board member of the Catalyst Schools and St. Mary's University employee, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota to prepare Catalyst graduates for college. The program is getting national attention. See this link to Fox News for more information. http://www.fox2548.com/
A report in the Austin Voice, August 4, 2010, describes the Countdown to College program some of the Catalyst Schools' 2010 graduates are participating in. Catalyst students are prepared for higher education.
Mrs. Jessica Knight-Stevenson has been nominated by her Principal for the 2013 Charter Excellence Awards, specifically the Illinois Charter Schools Classroom Hero Award. Mrs. Knight (as she is known by her students) has been the 5th Grade and Mentor Teacher for the past 4 years at Catalyst-Circle Rock Charter School in Chicago.
One of Catalyst's partnering organizations is the Kaupas Center in Chicago Lawn. They received a grant from PNC Bank to implement a healthy eating/cooking program that benefits many Catalyst-Maria students. Check out this link to see more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0JeCSwySYo&list=PLZ-cJMjWM9ZJ-d0eXSsYUI2Wuq9BfEggv