Building Workforce Partnerships and Expanding Career Pathways Across Nevada
At American Access Institute, we believe that helping young people prepare for their future takes more than education alone. It takes strong community partnerships, access to resources, and opportunities for youth to see what is possible for their lives.
Recently, AAI had the opportunity to present at Workforce Connections, Nevada’s largest local workforce development board, where we engaged in meaningful conversations about strengthening career readiness for young people.
Building Stronger Workforce Partnerships
During the meeting, AAI Founder Dr. Pamela Donnelly connected with Dr. Ricardo Villalobos and Malik M. L. Williams, M.Ed., CWDP, to explore opportunities for collaboration.
The conversation focused on how AAI’s career readiness platform and workforce development resources can complement Workforce Connections’ work connecting employers with a skilled and prepared workforce.
Together, we discussed shared approaches to career exploration, professional development, and workforce readiness. These conversations are an important step toward developing partnerships that can help more young people build the skills, confidence, and direction they need to move toward long-term success.
For youth who have experienced foster care, housing instability, trauma, neglect, or other forms of adversity, planning for a career can sometimes feel far removed from their immediate needs. Providing meaningful exposure to career possibilities early can help change that.
Helping Young People See What Is Possible
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This is one of the goals behind Catapult, American Access Institute’s career readiness program.
Many young people have had limited opportunities to learn about the wide range of careers available to them. Without exposure, it can be difficult to imagine a future beyond the challenges they are facing today.
Catapult helps introduce youth to career pathways, educational opportunities, professional development, and achievable goals. By giving young people information and guidance, the program helps them begin thinking about where their interests and strengths could take them.
The impact goes beyond choosing a career. It is about building confidence and helping young people develop a sense of direction.
Investing in youth early can also help address challenges that communities face later, including unemployment, homelessness, and involvement with the justice system. When young people have access to support, resources, and opportunities, they are better positioned to make informed decisions about their future.
Empowering youth today helps create stronger individuals, healthier communities, and brighter futures.
Connecting Youth to Essential Community Resources
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Career readiness is only one part of the equation. Young people also need access to basic resources that can help them navigate everyday challenges.
That is why AAI developed AAI Catapult Connect, a free mobile app available on both iOS and Google Play.
The app is designed to make it easier for youth to find trusted local resources, including:
Food assistance
Shelter and housing resources
Transportation
Free Wi-Fi
Community services
Users can also access important details such as operating hours, eligibility requirements, contact information, websites, and directions.
AAI Catapult Connect is currently available in 12 major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Palo Alto, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. Additional cities are planned as the program continues to expand.
Technology can make resources easier to find, but meaningful partnerships are what help turn access into lasting outcomes.
Download AAI Catapult Connect
Fall Catapult Cohorts Now Enrolling
Organizations interested in providing Catapult to the youth they serve can begin the onboarding process for upcoming cohorts.
AAI’s school-year cohort model includes Fall and Spring enrollment periods, giving organizations an opportunity to introduce career readiness programming as part of their ongoing support for young people.
The goal is simple: give youth more opportunities to discover their strengths, explore career possibilities, and begin building a future they can envision for themselves.
The Galactic Gala: An Evening With Purpose
AAI’s commitment to creating these opportunities will also be celebrated at our upcoming 2026 Galactic Gala.
The event will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM at Hanneman Hall Ballroom at the Freedom Center at Sun City Anthem in Henderson, Nevada.
Guests are invited to join us for an evening featuring:
Dinner
Live entertainment
Dancing
Silent auction
Community celebration
We are honored to welcome Mayor Michelle Romero of the City of Henderson as our featured speaker. Mayor Romero will share insights on community partnerships and the importance of investing in the next generation.
Guests will also enjoy entertainment from Celebrity DJ Eric Snow, bringing a mix of classic favorites and today's hits to the evening.
Whether attending as a guest, sponsor, or community partner, every contribution helps AAI expand opportunities for foster, unhoused, and other youth navigating adversity.
To learn more about American Access Institute, Catapult, Catapult Connect, or opportunities to partner with us, visit https://americanaccessinstitute.org.
