Introducing Catalyst: Helping Companies Find Talent While Unlocking Opportunity for Justice-Impacted Individuals

In the US, approximately one-third of adults have criminal records and face significantly higher unemployment rates than the national average. This issue not only represents a social problem but also negatively impacts businesses and the economy by collectively costing up to $87 billion in lost GDP annually. Fair chance hiring practices can lead to stronger businesses, economies, and communities. Checkr has launched Catalyst, an apprenticeship program aimed at bringing justice-impacted individuals into the workforce with support for hiring and training this overlooked talent pool. The company is committing $1 million over two years to fund two cohorts of apprenticeships outside of Checkr. Employers are invited to join in hosting apprentices starting in spring 2025, providing on-the-job training and mentorship for a period of 12 months. Benefits of participating in the Catalyst program include fair chance hiring opportunities, access to a motivated talent pool, financial assistance, and program support from Checkr and nonprofit partners. The initiative aims to expand fair chance hiring practices by connecting employers with talented individuals who have records and providing apprentices with pathways to meaningful employment. Checkr is partnering with organizations such as the San Francisco Office of Economic & Workforce Development's TechSF and The Last Mile, which provide educational and technical training for justice-impacted people. Employers interested in building a similar program at their company or learning more about Catalyst can email [email protected].