A 501(c)(3) Public Charity

Catapult Education & Workforce Foundation

Building Stronger Workplaces. Building Stronger Workers.

The Catapult Education & Workforce Foundation exists to close the gap between what today’s workforce needs and what the traditional education and training system provides.

A Catapult instructor leading a workforce training class Workforce training that reaches the job
What We Believe

Exceptional workplaces do not happen by accident. They are built.

Built through training, research, and resources that reach the people who make organizations run.

Participants raising their hands during a Catapult manager training session

Built through training

Training that actually reaches the people doing the work, not just the people who sign off on the budget.

A team reviewing printed reports and workplace data together at a table

Built through research

Research that tells the real story of workplace culture, so employers make decisions from data instead of assumptions.

Two small business owners reviewing information on a tablet together

Built through resources

Resources that help employers invest in the people who make their organizations run.

Our Purpose

Supporting employers committed to exceptional workplace practices

The Foundation assists in the philanthropic efforts of Catapult Employers Association by providing resources and support to employers committed to exceptional workplace practices. We do this through four areas of work.

01

Educational activities

Practical, relevant knowledge brought directly to employers and their teams.

02

Professional development and training

Skills upgraded where it matters most, on the job.

03

Research and surveys

Studies on workplace culture and practices that give employers real data instead of guesswork.

04

Economic development

Initiatives that strengthen the communities where our employers operate.

Where We Work

We serve employers and the people they employ

Our focus is primarily small to medium sized organizations that employ 20 to 5,000 employees.

We concentrate on workforce training needs that are often underserved, particularly in industries and skill areas where community colleges and traditional educational institutions have limited resources or program offerings. In these areas, employer-led training, on-the-job learning, and manager and leadership development programs frequently provide a more effective pathway for knowledge transfer and skill development.

A confident employee on a manufacturing plant floor
Who we serve

Employers and their employees

Organization size

Primarily 20 to 5,000 employees

Where we concentrate

Underserved training needs, in industries and skill areas with limited program offerings

How learning happens

Employer-led training, on-the-job learning, and manager and leadership development

Our Flagship Commitment

Workforce Training Grants

We sponsor training that fosters four outcomes.

Employees taking part in a workplace training session
Workplace culture improvementStronger everyday practices where people actually work.
Employee developmentGrowth paths for the people already on the team.
Reduction in employee turnoverKeeping the skills an organization has invested in.
Upgrading workers’ skillsCapability built where the job is done.
Applications open now

HR Certificate Scholarship, tuition paid in full

The Foundation covers the full cost of one Catapult HR Certificate Program for approved applicants. No cost share, no deposit. Investing in professional development is not always easy to prioritize when time and budgets are tight, so the Foundation covers the tuition instead.

$1,600+Average certificate value
100%Of tuition, not a discount
12 moTo finish at your own pace
3Certificate tracks to choose from
HR Core CertificateFor new HR generalists and solo practitioners. Best fit: 1 to 3 years of experience.
Strategic HR CertificateFor mid-career practitioners moving toward a business partner role. Best fit: 4 to 7 years.
HR Leadership CertificateFor directors and VPs stepping into a top HR seat. Best fit: 7 or more years.
Apply for a Scholarship

Applications are reviewed as a group rather than first come first served, and every applicant hears back. Employees at organizations of any size may apply, member or not.

How We Are Funded

A 501(c)(3) public charity, powered by people who believe in this work

The Foundation is powered by contributions from individuals, corporations, other foundations, and government grants. Every gift is directed toward one purpose: a stronger, more capable workforce.

Individuals
Corporations
Other foundations
Government grants
The Catapult team together, waving at the camera
Join Us

A trained workforce is a thriving workforce

Whether you are an employer looking to invest in your people, or a supporter who believes in the power of practical education, there is a place for you in this work.

Looking to advance your own HR career? The HR Certificate Scholarship is open now. Employer workforce training grant applications are not open yet. Contact us to be notified when they are.
info@letscatapult.org  ·  (866) 440-0302

Questions

What people ask us about the Foundation

What is the Catapult Education & Workforce Foundation?

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that assists in the philanthropic efforts of Catapult Employers Association by providing resources and support to employers committed to exceptional workplace practices. It works through educational activities, professional development and training, research and surveys on workplace culture, and economic development initiatives.

How is the Foundation related to Catapult Employers Association?

The Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) public charity. It exists to assist in the philanthropic efforts of Catapult Employers Association, which has served employers since 1958.

Who does the Foundation serve?

Employers and their employees. Our focus is primarily small to medium sized organizations that employ 20 to 5,000 employees.

What kinds of training does the Foundation sponsor?

We sponsor training that fosters workplace culture improvement, employee development, reduction in employee turnover, and upgrading workers’ skills. See the training and development programs this work supports.

Why does the Foundation focus on employer-led training?

We concentrate on workforce training needs that are often underserved, particularly in industries and skill areas where community colleges and traditional educational institutions have limited resources or program offerings. In these areas, employer-led training, on-the-job learning, and manager and leadership development programs frequently provide a more effective pathway for knowledge transfer and skill development.

Can I apply for a workforce training grant now?

Employer workforce training grant applications are not open yet. Contact us and we will let you know when they are. If you are an individual looking to advance your own HR career, the HR Certificate Scholarship is open now.

What is the HR Certificate Scholarship?

The Foundation covers the full cost of one Catapult HR Certificate Program for approved applicants, with no cost share and no deposit. There are three tracks, and recipients have 12 months to finish at their own pace. Employees at organizations of any size may apply, member or not. See the details and apply.

Are donations to the Foundation tax deductible?

The Catapult Education & Workforce Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 99-1796535. Contributions are generally tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor about your own situation.

How is the Foundation funded?

Through contributions from individuals, corporations, other foundations, and government grants. Every gift is directed toward one purpose: a stronger, more capable workforce.

Image credits. Training and team photography courtesy of Catapult Employers Association.