What is campusCATALYST?

We are a student-run organization at the University of Chicago. Each quarter, we pair student analysts with local nonprofits on pro-bono consulting engagements.

campusCATALYST analyst teams are composed of 5 undergrad students who apply to work on 10-week consulting engagements with nonprofits. These students receive academic credit for their work and are supervised by Professor Christa Velasquez and mentors from the Harris School of Public Policy and the Booth School of Business.

In a weekly seminar on nonprofit management, students learn about the nonprofit world, utilizing case studies that reflect the issue area of the nonprofit in which they are consulting.

The mentor facilitates a separate weekly meeting at which students are trained in basic consulting practices and develop weekly goals.

At the conclusion of the engagement, student teams present final recommendations to the nonprofit. campusCATALYST staff follows up with the nonprofit to assess its satisfaction with the student teams and the long-term results of the recommendations’ implementation.

Following the course, campusCATALYST alumni have the opportunity to get involved with the Board, compete in our annual case competition, and partake in quarterly events. Our campusCATALYST alumni have gone on to work in every sector around the globe, including management consulting, impact investing, and social sector work. Regardless of sector, campusCATALYST alumni continue to devote their energies towards social entrepreneurship and community service, demonstrating the long lasting impact of their undergraduate civic involvement.