Apply to Catalyst

Interested in STEM, storytelling, or leadership? Join Catalyst, a student-led STEM newsletter that highlights real student perspectives, including articles on industry breakthroughs, first-hand research experience, alumni spotlights, and more. We recruit quarterly for passionate students to become Catalyst Contributors, with positions in writing, editing, website development, and outreach.

Catalyst recruitment is currently closed. Please sign up to be notified when applications are live again.

Catalyst Contributor Interest Form: Spring 2026

Recruitment Cycle Details

  • The Catalyst Contributor recruitment cycle opens at the beginning of each quarter at the University of California, Los Angeles.

  • Recruitment consist of a written application, interview, and final selection

  • We prioritize interest, passion, and curiosity in our applicants—we do not ask for resumes, GPA, or letters of recommendation.

Applicant Eligibility

  • All currently-enrolled (undergraduate and graduate) students at the University of California, Los Angeles are eligible to apply.

  • All majors are eligible for any position. While our publication features STEM stories, you do not need to be a STEM student to apply. We highly encourage innovators and creatives alike to contribute to Catalyst.

  • Applications open at the beginning of each quarter, typically around week zero for fall quarter and week 1 for winter and spring. Once applications are live, students registered on the interest form will be notified, as well as public announcements via Instagram @Catalystucla and GroupMe.

  • Written applications will be due about one to two weeks after they open, usually around the end of week two. The exact deadlines will be explicitly stated on the website once applications open, as well as announced on our socials via Instagram @Catalystucla and GroupMe.

  • Catalyst is seeking passionate students for positions in four departments: writing, editing, website developing, and outreach. More departments may be added based on Catalyst’s long-term goals.

  • Yes! All applicants can apply to up to two departments per application cycle. That being said, accepted applicants can contribute in as many departments as they would like, in addition to their accepted department. Should you want to switch departments entirely, reach out to a member of the board for further guidance

  • Catalyst recruitment cohorts are not restricted to any a specific size quota. We encourage all driven students to apply as we read every application carefully for effort, quality, and alignment to Catalyst’s focus. That being said, the amount of Contributors hired to each department will vary based on the individual departmental needs.

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