During a recent government meeting, Dr. Paul Thronson, director of the Davis Catalyst High, presented an overview of the innovative career and technical education programs offered at the school. Opened in January 2022, the Catalyst operates as a magnet high school within the Davis School District, allowing students to remain enrolled at their home high schools while attending Catalyst for two of their eight class periods.

Dr. Thronson emphasized the school's unique approach, which integrates education with real-world industry projects. The Catalyst collaborates with over 100 business partners to provide students with hands-on experiences that reflect current industry needs. This model ensures that students engage in relevant projects, eliminating the common student question, \"When will I use this?\"

The school’s curriculum is built around six core values: profession-based learning, entrepreneurial mindset, professional skills development, self-discovery, equity and access, and responsiveness to industry changes. These values guide the educational experience, aiming to equip students with essential skills for their future careers.

Transportation is a key component of the Catalyst's accessibility, with nine buses transporting students from various high schools across the district. This initiative aims to eliminate barriers to participation, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to benefit from the programs offered.

Dr. Thronson also highlighted the expansion of the Catalyst's offerings, which have grown from nine pathways to a capacity that necessitates additional portable classrooms. The school is actively working to enhance its programs, including a partnership with Davis Technical College to offer concurrent enrollment technical education credits.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community members to visit the Catalyst and learn more about its innovative educational model, which aims to prepare students for successful futures in a rapidly evolving job market.