Catapult Manifesto

Jessica Kennison
1 day ago
4 min read

Education at a Crossroads

Our educational system stands at a pivotal juncture. Many students feel their studies are disconnected from their future aspirations and societal contributions. This perception fosters disengagement, a profound sense of alienation, and alarmingly high dropout rates. Instead of igniting curiosity and enthusiasm, traditional education often becomes a source of frustration. Graduates frequently find themselves burdened with debt, uncertain about their career paths, and ill-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. Only 26% of U.S. working adults strongly agree that their education was relevant to their work and daily life. This disconnect exacerbates mental health issues, job dissatisfaction, and a widening global skills gap, with over 3 million jobs in America remaining unfilled. These challenges are not isolated; they stem from a singular, deeper issue: an education system that continues to drift towards irrelevance.

The Imperative of Relevance

Relevance distinguishes meaningful education from obsolete instruction. To make education relevant, we must ensure it resonates with students, educators, administrators, communities, and society as a whole. An educational ecosystem grounded in relevance and significance is necessary. Our institutions should help students discern their identities, values, and societal needs, equipping them with the essential skills for their future endeavors. Envision an educational model that graduates students who are not only in demand but also bring purpose, skills, and competence to their professions, enterprises, or advocacies. Such a model fosters lives inspired with direction, preparedness, and meaning.

Prioritizing Skills Over Credentials

While education holds intrinsic value, acquiring skills is paramount. A significant portion of contemporary jobs, over 60%, involve elements of sales, yet our curricula often overlook this. Similarly, subjects like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, project management, work ethic, and emerging technologies such as generative AI are frequently absent from our educational programs. By 2030, an estimated 85% of jobs will be entirely new, yet our educational content remains anchored in paradigms from four generations past. To prepare students for the realities of tomorrow, we must revamp our approach (and our curricula) to include these vital skills to ensure they are equipped to navigate and thrive in an ever-evolving job market.

Catalyzing Change Through Catapult

Recognizing the urgency for transformation, we established Catapult—a movement dedicated to making education relevant. Our approach transcends traditional professional development by integrating dynamic masterclasses, interactive Playbooks, live coaching sessions, and a supportive virtual community. Catapult is a catalyst for change, empowering educators to become disruptors while challenging outdated norms and fostering institutional change. Our programs focus on systemic transformation, emphasizing world readiness, career-connected learning, instructional excellence, community partnerships, and educational transformation. By aligning educational practices with real-world demands, we aim to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the skills and mindset required for success in the modern economy.

A Pathway for Educators Ready for Change

Educators who seek to lead rather than follow, who yearn to infuse their classrooms and institutions with purpose and relevance, will find their tribe in Catapult. The professional development experiences offer not only knowledge but also inspiration and practical action blueprints. Participants gain tools to drive systemic improvement, foster deeper student engagement, and elevate instructional impact. By enrolling in Catapult, educators join a network of changemakers who are united in their commitment to preparing students for real-world success. This program is more than just training; it's a call to transform education from within, one courageous step at a time.

Step Into the Future of Education

I don’t know you, but I know you. If you are reading this deeply, you are ready to break the mold and lead real change in your organization. Joining Catapult means stepping into a community designed for Education Disruptors who are ready to reimagine what is possible in education. As a Catapult member, you unlock unlimited access to a rich library of over 40 expert-led masterclasses for fresh motivation and building new skills. You will have high-quality, on-demand professional development at your fingertips - and an entire community in your corner.

And please don’t confuse this with a virtual conference or webinars. This is more than self-paced learning. The Catapult platform is a community that connects you with national thought leaders and peers through virtual huddles, sparking meaningful conversations and authentic collaboration. You will join a network of forward-thinking educators committed to transforming the student experience. Interactive Playbooks (curated with each speaker) guide you in applying what you learn, bridging the gap between theory and practice with fundamental strategies you can use immediately. Designed by practitioners, these are tools built for action.

Membership also supports your long-term growth. As you complete programs, you earn recognized certificates, and you can even qualify for up to 12 undergraduate or graduate college credits. These credits can be used to finish a degree pattern more quickly, earn certification or an academic credential, or progressing up the salary schedule. The flexible structure respects the demands of your schedule while still delivering powerful, live engagement with a community of like-minded linchpins. Catapult’s masterclasses reshape instruction, reenergize your teaching, and redefine student success. With the right mindset, the right people, and the right momentum, real change becomes possible. You have what it takes to be an education disruptor. Unlock your true potential to enact local change.

The challenges confronting education are formidable, but so are the opportunities for meaningful progress forward. Your role in this transformation is crucial. We must collectively endeavor to elevate our institutions from obsolescence, reimagining education as a dynamic, relevant, and empowering experience. By embracing this vision, we can transform individual lives and, by extension, society as a whole. Join our mission to make all education relevant to everyone. Together, we can lead the charge to ensure every learner is prepared for the demands of the future. The time to lead is now.