Frequently Asked Questions


Why campusCATALYST?
In the past five years, Americans invested over $1.2 trillion, about 10% of the annual US GDP, in over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in an effort to address poverty issues and strengthen communities. Despite this staggering investment, over 37 million American families, including 12 million children, continue to experience the daily hardships of poverty.


With over 1.5 million nonprofit receiving these record inputs, the challenge is to coordinate efforts, strengthen operations, and create a more cohesive social service network capable of seamlessly collaborating to address the myriad of challenges facing our communities.


By mobilizing an elite student consulting corps of America's top undergraduates, supported by the nation's top academic and business advisors, campusCATALYST is changing the way college students are changing the world. Today, campusCATALYST participants provide critical support to and facilitate collaboration among a community's nonprofit network, while campusCATALYST alumni leverage their social entrepreneurship experience in fields as diverse as business, government, and medicine to drive innovative solutions to community development.


Who are campusCATALYST members?
campusCATALYST engages top college undergraduates and MBA candidates ranging all academic majors, backgrounds, and career aspirations. Participant selection is highly competitive with rigorous application requirements and complimentary academic coursework to promote high-performing and knowledgeable teams. campusCATALYST selects members who exemplify leadership, teamwork, and dedication to strengthening our communities.


campusCATALYST 2007-08 Participant Statistics

Undergraduate Community Analysts ........................... 75
MBA Mentors .................................................................... 15
Percentage with Leadership Experience .................... 90%
Average Undergraduate GPA ....................................... 3.7
Minority Participants ........................................................ 50%


Among the 2007 campusCATALYST participants were individuals who majors ranging from social policy to legal studies to mathematical models in social sciences and economics. In addition, these participants brought a diverse range of experiences to their teams, with internships at Obama for America and The Boston Consulting Group. Furthermore, as campusCATALYST alumni they are bringing their social entrepreneurship experience and passion for community development to premier organizations such as McKinsey & Company and Teach for America.


How are campusCATALYST participants trained?
campusCATALYST members enroll in a for-credit university class, supported by academic and professional advisors, to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully support a nonprofit in their community. In addition to this rigorous coursework and guidance by professionals in the field of business and social policy, each team is mentored by a MBA candidate in weekly sessions, ensuring proficiency in and development consultation best practices. campusCATALYST aims to leverage partnerships with community experts and institutions to provide access to the tools, resources, and professional support needed to foster a rich social entrepreneurship experience for students.


Are campusCATALYST participants paid?
campusCATALYST participants voluntarily commit to enhance their education and strengthen their community through their involvement. For their efforts, participants are awarded academic credit through their participating university and gain an invaluable social entrepreneurship experience. In addition, all campusCATALYST services are provided free of charge to nonprofits, ensuring that those organizations most in need of support are able to receive it.


What types of services do campusCATALYST teams provide?
campusCATALYST teams, supported by their academic and professional advisors, will provide service in three key areas: (1) Tactical Operations, focused on strengthening infrastructure (2) Marketing, Communications and Development, and (3) Partnership Building, in an effort to promote collaboration and create more approachable social service safety net.


What issues do campusCATALYST teams address?
With an innovative and strategic portfolio approach to impact, campusCATALYST will focus on five crucial issue areas: (1) Housing, (2) Youth & Education, (3) Jobs & Economic Security, (4) Health, and (5) Arts & Culture. From job training programs to affordable healthcare to activities that keep children engaged after school, this approach recognizes that addressing the root poverty-related issues requires a strategic and comprehensive approach that provides critical support and promotes community collaboration.


How does campusCATALYST promote diversity?
campusCATALYST engages participants, advisors, and supporters who bring a wealth of skills and experience to our mission of creating a more cohesive social service community. To achieve this goal, campusCATALYST enlists leaders spanning all socioeconomic backgrounds, academic majors, political and religious beliefs, and career aspirations. Overall, promoting diversity ensures that campusCATALYST maximizes opportunities for students and the wealth of talent, knowledge, and expertise in our communities.


What is an example of a campusCATALYST engagement?
In spring 2007, five Northwestern undergraduates, supported by an academic advisor and a former McKinsey & Company consultant and current Kellogg MBA Candidate, completed a 10 week engagement with Hilda's Place, Evanston's only transitional housing shelter.


While gaining rich academic, business, and social entrepreneurship experiences, the student team assisted Hilda's Place with Tactical Operations. Working with the Hilda's Place staff and volunteers, the team helped clarify organizational roles and structure, prepared a new case manager training, and created a comprehensive employment referral guide. After much positive feedback from both sides, Hilda's Place invited a campusCATALYST team back to continue building on the successful and important work of the spring team.


"We have known that we had these problems, but before working with campusCATALYST we've never had the time, resources, or direction to tackle these issues. They made a huge difference." - Director of Adult Services at Hilda's Place