Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, Changing Lives.
Our Mission
Empowering communities to create lasting improvments in peoples lives through housing, education, and workforce development.
Exciting Funding Opportunity for Minnesota Schools!
Catalyst for Systems Change (CSC), in collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Agency, is helping Minnesota school districts and charter public schools secure funding to create programs where young people gain hands-on construction skills while building housing for low-income Minnesotans and those experiencing homelessness.
This groundbreaking initiative, established through CSC-led efforts in the 2023 legislature, has already awarded its first two grants. Now, Minnesota Housing has set aside up to $500,000 for a second round of grants!
Empowering Communities. Transforming Systems. Inspiring Change.
CSC is dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers through inclusive, cross-sector collaboration. We believe that real change happens when communities lead the way. From policy advocacy to hands-on programming, we create solutions rooted in the lived experiences of those we serve.
Our Vision
We envision a world where youth, families, and citizens are active participants in shaping policies and systems that impact their lives. Through education, advocacy, and strategic action, CSC aims to inspire a culture of civic engagement, empower individuals to break cycles of poverty, and establish a foundation for lasting social equity.
Our Approach
We guide young changemakers in shaping their futures through civic engagement, leadership development, and policy advocacy. Programs like our Changemakers Forum amplify youth voices at the state and local levels, empowering them to advocate for housing stability, education reform, and mental health resources.
Youth Engagement
Collaborating with educators, families, and community leaders, we develop policies that foster long-term solutions to youth and family homelessness, affordable housing, and education equity. Our initiatives focus on creating pathways to stability and success for underserved populations.
Community- Centered Policy Work
CSC connects schools, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies to drive systemic change. From designing innovative education programs to advocating for deeply affordable housing, we bridge gaps to create collective impact.
Cross Sector Partnerships
Testimonials
Since 1987, CSC has received more than $30 million from a variety of funders, including repeat funding because of demonstrated positive results, from organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Blandin Foundation, Cargill Foundation, Carlson Family Foundation, Frey Family Foundation of Minnesota, Morning Foundation, Youthprise, Minnesota Department of Education, and US Department of Education. Sample unsolicited comments from funders include the following:
Wokie Weah, Founder, former CEO of Youthprise
“This leadership transition is a powerful example of passing the baton at the right time, for the right reasons and to the right person. It is rare to meet someone who skillfully combines credibility, cultural fluency and outside the box thinking. I recognized these traits in Khalique from the moment I met him and am 100% confident he will build on the Center for School Change’s legacy. Thank you, Joe, and Khalique. This is a wonderful gift to the field.”
Karen Abel, Target
“Thank you for all of the amazing work you do on behalf of students in Minnesota (and beyond!). We’re thrilled to be partnering with you and look forward to many more insightful conversations!”
Anne Parks, Minnesota Department of Education
“As always, the work of CSC exceeds expectations. Your work with dual credit outreach and the leadership academy is impacting the lives of many students and families.”
Tola Oyewole, Cargill
“Thank you so much for being a wonderful partner. I enjoy working with you and your due diligence is best in class.”
Jo Ann Gruesner, Frey Foundation of Minnesota
“Thank you. You have proven yourself over and over again – thanks for allowing us to work with you! And, thanks for teaching us a lot of what we know about education.”
Eli Yim, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
“Thank you for your unbelievable partnership and commitment to improving the lives of students and families!”
Rep. Matt Norris, Minnesota House of Representatives
“Khalique is one of the up-and-coming leaders in our community, and I can’t wait to continue our productive collaboration in his new role guiding [CSC].”