Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, Changing Lives.
Our Mission
Catalyst for Systems Change breaks down systemic barriers and creates pathways to opportunity through collaboration, advocacy, and community-driven design.
We empower youth, families, and historically marginalized communities to lead systemic change by transforming their lived experiences into actionable solutions with measurable impact.
“At CSC, we don’t ask ‘How smart are you?’ We ask ‘How are you smart?’—and then build on it.”
Exciting Funding Opportunity for Minnesota Schools!
The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has released a new RFP offering grants up to $99,999 per public school to support student-built housing programs.
Applications are due July 10 at 12:00 p.m. CT.
Eligible schools can use the funds for:
Building materials
Construction tools
Subcontractor support
Rehabilitation or new development of homes (single family, duplexes, quads, townhomes, etc.)
📌 Want help navigating the process or seeing examples of successful programs?
We’re here to support school leaders, technical partners, and funders looking to expand this model. CSC can connect you directly with partners or walk through the application process.
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
At Catalyst for Systems Change, we believe youth development is more than preparation for the future—it’s action in the present. Through experiential learning, young people gain the skills, confidence, and vision to make change in their communities—whether that’s through policy advocacy, workforce pathways, or local service projects.
Youth Engagement
CSC goes beyond leadership training. We believe youth development is more than preparation—it’s active participation in shaping their world. Over the past two years, CSC’s Changemakers Program has directly equipped 130 youth with real-world leadership and advocacy skills.
Experiencial Learning
CSC also invests in partnerships that strengthen the entire youth development ecosystem. By collaborating with schools, agencies, and community leaders, we share tools and strategies to embed real-world, youth-led learning in their own work. This stewardship approach ensures young people across Minnesota have sustained opportunities to grow, lead, and thrive.
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].”