Camp Catanese Foundation

Camp Catanese prepares underserved students for success in college and career through STEAM, team-building, and social experiences. We need YOUR support to double our impact and reach even more students who need it most!

Founded in 2016 by Jason Catanese, a middle school math teacher, coach, and mentor in the Maryvale community, Camp Catanese was born out of a deep commitment to helping low-income students rise above the challenges they face—homelessness, poverty, and transience—and realize their full potential. What started as a simple, one-week summer camp has now grown into a year-round college preparation program that is changing the future for hundreds of young people every year!

Through overnight camps, weekend retreats, free ACT prep, educational field trips, college counseling, and scholarships, Camp Catanese provides critical support to help students stay on track for high school graduation, thrive in college, and ultimately achieve their dreams.

We are proud to say that 100% of our campers graduate high school on time, and 98% are admitted to a college or university. Right now, 70% of our alumni are enrolled in college compared to the 37% average of the communities that we serve. But we want to do more!

Imagine what we could achieve if we doubled our impact.

We need YOUR help to expand our reach, grow our programs, and provide life-changing opportunities to even more students. By supporting Camp Catanese, you're investing in the future of first-generation college students and helping to break down the barriers that prevent them from realizing their potential.

Now is the time to take action—because these students are ready, and with your support, they can go further than ever before!

Will you join us in empowering the next generation of scholars and leaders? Donate today and be part of something bigger. Help us double our impact and make sure even more students have the tools they need to succeed. We are building a belief and changing the narrative around what is possible for low-income students in Phoenix, but it won't be possible without YOUR support! Thank you!

Testimonials

"This camp is a place where we all feel free and a place where we learn true happiness... laughs... smiles... tears of joy... and the education and opportunities we get are insane. We can all thank Camp Catanese for helping us make a better future." - Dominique, Class of 2025

"After camp cat I feel more motivated than ever to go to college and do my best, I will work hard to get into the university of my dreams and do my best to achieve the goals I have in mind, with Camp Cat always being my motivation and making me want to do my best." - Yanelli, Class of 2028

"I want to set an example for my younger siblings and for my extended family. If I remember correctly no one I know that's close to me in my family has gone to college. I'd like to show them that it's possible and that they can achieve it even if they didn't have that set example which is what I'm doing." - Shakira, Class of 2024

"Ever since camp, my mentality has done a 360. I view life from a different perspective. I'm going through life being present and doing what I can to set myself up for success." -Eduardo, Class of 2023