Weber staff to pursue Catalyst grant; exploratory committee identified for proposed Catalyst Center
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Summary
District staff described the state Catalyst grant (House Bill 447) opportunity that funds school-based career/industry experience centers. The district plans to apply for a $15 million ask paired with an IHC $5 million head start grant; an exploratory committee with selected architect and contractor would begin design pending consent calendar
District staff described the Catalyst grant program established in House Bill 447 and told the board the district intends to apply for competitive grant funds to build and operate a local Catalyst Center that would replicate professional environments and partner with industry.
A staff presenter said the Catalyst grant pool is $65 million and highly competitive; the district has secured a $5 million IHC head start grant and intends to request at least $15 million through the state application process. The application will become available Oct. 15, with roughly five to six weeks to prepare materials; award notifications are expected about a month after submission and funds would be available Jan. 5 if awarded.
The grant would support industry‑aligned, project‑based learning in pathways such as health sciences, audiovisual production, computer science/cyber, engineering/aerospace, construction, entrepreneurship and culinary operations. Staff emphasized the program's goal of building durable employability skills: collaboration, problem solving, adaptability, leadership and communication.
The board was also told the district followed its RFP process to identify an exploratory architect and contractor. Staff recommended BCBO as architect and Hogan Construction as contractor to join an exploratory committee that will begin early design work aligned to curriculum choices; the recommendation will be presented on the consent calendar for formal approval.
No final construction contract or grant award was approved during the study session; staff said they would return with application materials, a formal grant ask and any consent calendar items for board consideration.
