The Future of Business is Built Here.
An immersive ecosystem where Wichita State students, faculty, and industry leaders converge to solve real-world challenges and shape the next generation of talent.
Quantifiable Impact: A New Paradigm for Success
This isn't just a new program; it's a strategic driver for student careers and regional economic health, with measurable outcomes.
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Career Placement Rate
Target for Catalyst graduates within 3 months.
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Reduction in Partner Hiring Costs
By de-risking talent acquisition.
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Higher Starting Salary
Average increase for Catalyst graduates.
Introducing the Barton Catalyst Initiative
We are fundamentally redesigning the educational model by embedding industry directly into the academic fabric of the Barton School. It's a tripartite partnership that creates a powerful cycle of innovation, experience, and opportunity.
The Catalyst Framework: Our 10 Pillars of Excellence
Strategic Acumen
Data-Driven Decisions
Financial Literacy
Ethical Leadership
Agile Project Mgt.
Innovative Mindset
Global Perspective
Effective Communication
Operational Excellence
Collaborative Teamwork
A Trifecta of Opportunity
The Catalyst Initiative is uniquely structured to deliver powerful, distinct advantages to every stakeholder.
- Graduate with a Portfolio, Not Just a Diploma: Showcase real-world projects and proven results to employers.
- Build a Professional Network Before Graduation: Forge connections with mentors and executives in your chosen industry.
- Guaranteed Paid Internships: Secure a high-impact, paid residency to accelerate your career.
- Fast-Track Your Career: Gain the skills that put you years ahead of your peers, leading to better jobs and higher starting salaries.
- Cultivate Your Future Workforce: Shape curriculum and mentor students to build the exact talent you need.
- Access a Pipeline of Vetted Talent: Hire graduates who have been tested and proven in a real-world environment.
- Solve Real Business Challenges: Leverage bright, motivated student teams to tackle projects and explore new ideas at low cost.
- Enhance Your Corporate Brand: Be recognized as a leader in community engagement and talent development.
- Enhance National Rankings and Prestige: Become a top-destination for applied business learning.
- Drive Enrollment: Attract a higher caliber of students with a compelling, career-focused value proposition.
- Forge Deeper Industry Partnerships: Move beyond philanthropy to create symbiotic, long-term relationships.
- Fulfill Our Urban-Serving Mission: Become an even more powerful engine for regional economic growth and talent retention.
The Student Journey: A Four-Phase Transformation
A structured, multi-year pathway from the classroom to the boardroom.
Phase 1: Foundation (Year 2)
Competitive cohort selection, matching with industry tracks, and pairing with professional mentors.
Phase 2: Immersion (Year 3)
Tackling real-world business challenges ("sprints") in teams for corporate partners.
Phase 3: Acceleration (Summer)
Guaranteed paid corporate residency, transitioning from team member to project owner.
Phase 4: Showcase (Year 4)
Presenting project ROI to executives and graduating with a professional portfolio and often, a job offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment for students? +
The Catalyst Initiative is an immersive co-curricular program. While it integrates with existing coursework, expect to dedicate an additional 8-10 hours per week to project sprints, mentor meetings, and workshops.
How do companies become partners? +
We offer tiered partnership levels based on the desired depth of engagement. The first step is to contact our Director of Corporate Relations to discuss your company's talent and innovation goals. We tailor partnerships to ensure mutual value.
Is this open to all Barton School majors? +
Yes! The initiative is designed to be cross-disciplinary. We welcome applications from all majors within the Barton School of Business and encourage students to apply their unique skills to our diverse industry tracks.
Become a Catalyst
Whether you're a student ready to launch your career, a company seeking to build its future, or a faculty member eager to innovate, there's a place for you here.