PLANO, Texas—Catalyst Corporate is calling for candidates to participate in its 2025 Young Professional (YP) Crasher Contest.
“Emerging professionals are encouraged to apply for a sponsored experience, including registration and hotel stay, for the Catalyst Strategic Summit taking place Oct. 21-23 at the Lost Pines Resort & Spa near Austin, Texas,” Catalyst said.
The corporate said the YP Crasher program is “more than a scholarship – it’s a career-defining opportunity.”
Catalyst noted that each year it selects a cohort of professionals under 40 to “crash” its premier event.
“These Crashers gain access to high-level strategy sessions, exclusive networking events, and direct engagement with some of the most influential voices in the credit union movement,” Catalyst said.
“Being a Crasher gave me the unique opportunity to connect with and learn from high-level industry leaders,” Jenn Martin, assistant manager at McCoy FCU and a 2024 Crasher, said in a statement. “The sessions were incredibly diverse – covering leadership, digital transformation, fraud prevention, and economic foresight. I walked away with insights I could immediately apply to my role and long-term career.”
‘Powerhouse Line-up’
According to Catalyst, this year’s Summit will feature a powerhouse lineup of more than 20 speakers and industry luminaries, including Kevin O’Leary of ABC’s Shark Tank, economist Mary Kelly, and Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Block.
“Crashers will be front and center for these sessions and more, gaining exposure to the ideas and innovations shaping the future of financial services,” Catalyst said.
It added the Crasher experience goes beyond the agenda, and that participants are paired with mentors, invited to private roundtables, and encouraged to share their perspectives in real time.
“Crashers bring fresh energy and perspective to the Summit,” said EVP-Member Relations Greg Moore said in a statement. “It’s one of the most rewarding programs we run each year, and we can’t wait to meet the 2025 class.”
How to Apply or Nominate
Catalyst said it encourages credit union leaders to nominate promising young professionals, or YPs can self-nominate with management approval. Applicants must be under 40 and employed by a credit union or credit union service organization. The application includes a few short answer questions.
The contest closes Aug. 29, and winners will be announced Sept. 5. Selected Crashers will receive complimentary registration, hotel accommodations and access to Summit networking events.
For info: catalystcorp.org/summit.