Last week, the Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation of Sonoma County proudly hosted the first-ever in-person convening of the Skilled Trades Funders Kitchen Table, welcoming approximately 19 funders from across the nation to collaborate on the growing importance of skilled trades education and workforce development. This convening was led by the Smidt Foundation and Harbor Freight Tools for Schools.

What began as a small group of funders in 2021, the Skilled Trades Funders Kitchen Table has evolved into a vital national network. The three-day gathering fostered a unique “kitchen table” environment – characterized by informal, meaningful dialogue and focused learning – where participants shared insights, strategies, and explored collaborative opportunities.

Funders in attendance included the Texas School Venture Fund, Construction Workforce Foundation of Colorado, Gates Foundation, TechForce Foundation, ECMC Foundation, and others.

The convening featured a dynamic agenda, including:

• Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) Tours: Attendees toured SRJC’s Industry and Trade Technology programs – including Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Transportation and Logistics, Welding, and the new Construction Training Center – to experience cutting-edge training in action.
• Industry Insights: The North Coast Builders Exchange (NCBE) hosted a breakfast conversation with attendees, offering valuable perspectives on workforce needs in the construction industry and highlighting the North Bay Construction Corps (NBCC).
• Connection and Reflection:
  • Small Working Groups: “Gnarly & Delicious” sessions sparked fresh ideas for pilot programs.
  • Snap Reflections: Funders shared innovative approaches to shared challenges.
  • Strategic Discussions: The group explored key takeaways and set priorities for 2025–2026.

This gathering underscored CTE Foundation’s growing role as a convener, bringing national stakeholders together to highlight Sonoma County’s strengths – and challenges – that reflect broader trends across the country.

“We were honored to host this distinguished group of funders in Sonoma County,” said Kathy Goodacre, CEO of CTE Foundation. “This convening was a pivotal opportunity to align our efforts, share successful strategies, and inspire greater investment in skilled trades education – a sector essential to the economic vitality of our communities and our country.”