They ran. She graduated.
Turn your community race, campus ride, or classroom penny drive into a scholarship for a first-generation college student.
One race. Four semesters funded.
Destiny was the first in her family to apply to college. She got in — then almost didn't go. A $2,400 gap between her aid package and her first-year costs sat between her and a future in nursing.
A PTA mom in suburban Ohio organized a spring 5K. 340 people ran. They raised $3,100. Destiny enrolled. She's a junior now. She runs Catalyst events herself.
"I didn't know those strangers. They didn't know me. But they showed up anyway."
4,211
Semesters funded
12,847
Students reached
$6.2M
Raised to date
Choose your trail.
Four event formats. One destination: a student's semester paid. Pick the path that fits your community.
Walk
Every step counts
Neighborhood walks, school fun walks, and community strolls. No pace required — just people moving with purpose.
Run
The classic 5K
Timed 5Ks, fun runs, and color dashes. The energy of a starting gun and a finish-line crowd.
Ride
Miles for miles
Campus bike rides, charity centuries, and family cycling events. Helmet on, goal in sight.
Give
Pure generosity
Classroom penny drives, workplace giving campaigns, and donation-only events. No sweat required.
Not sure which fits? Our event guides walk you through everything. Browse examples →
The numbers keep moving.
Every event adds to the total. Updated in real time as communities run, ride, and give.
$0.0M
raised this year
across all Catalyst events
0
events hosted
in 48 US states
0
semesters funded
for first-gen students
0%
student retention
among scholarship recipients
Two finish lines. One story.
Every bib pinned is a semester funded. Every kilometer run brings someone closer to a degree they were told wasn't for people like them.
They ran for someone they'd never meet.
She crossed a stage because they crossed a line.
"I heard there was a race. I didn't know who ran it. I just know I'm here."
— Marcus T., first-generation graduate, Class of 2025
Start your event.
Three quick steps. Then we'll send your event toolkit and connect you with a Catalyst coordinator.
Events like yours have funded 4,211 semesters — and counting.
Already have an event to join?
4,211 semesters funded by events like yours — and counting.