As summer unfolds across Sonoma County and our schools take a seasonal pause, it’s a time not just for reflection, but for clarity and urgency. We are at a pivotal moment in public education.
At a time when local districts are grappling with declining enrollment, significant budget shortfalls, and even school closures, students and families are asking important questions: What is school preparing me for? Will my education lead to a life I can build here, in the community I love?
That’s why I’ve joined CTE Foundation Sonoma County as Executive Director. Because now, more than ever, our work is essential.
A Personal Mission, A Collective Responsibility
I’ve spent my career supporting students who are furthest from opportunity, students full of brilliance, drive and potential, who too often face systems that were never built with them in mind. I began as a classroom teacher in the Roseland School District, later stepping into school leadership before moving into the nonprofit world with 10,000 Degrees. At every step, as an educator, nonprofit leader and community advocate, my work has always been about one thing: ensuring every young person can see themselves in a future that’s full of purpose, possibility and pride. Raised in Sebastopol and now raising a family of my own here, I’m deeply committed to creating a community where all students can thrive.
That mission brought me to CTE Foundation.
CTE Foundation’s charge is clear: to inspire and prepare students for high-demand careers in a globally competitive economy by transforming how education connects to the real world. We don’t just support programming; we invest in connected learning – practices that set students up for success after high school by aligning academics, career opportunities and student ambition.
What We’ve Accomplished—And What’s Ahead
Over the past year, CTE Foundation has continued to invest in Sonoma County students, schools and the future of our regional workforce. With the support of our community and funding partners, we awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to local high schools, middle schools, community-based organizations and industry-aligned programs. These funds expanded CTE courses, provided state-of-the-art equipment and materials and supported work-based learning initiatives across the county.
Our Spark the Future fundraiser brought together hundreds of educators, students, employers and community leaders to celebrate the power of career-connected learning, and to recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive and innovative educational landscape.
We were proud to support over 3,000 Sonoma County students enrolled in CTE-funded programs this year, and we honor the graduates of these programs who are leaving high school with certifications, skills and experience that set them apart. Whether they’re heading to a 4-year university, junior college, an apprenticeship, the military or straight into the workforce, they are the future of our local economy, and they are ready.
We also want to give special recognition to the graduates of our Sonoma Corps program, who completed a transformative year ofcareer exploration, , learning and paid work experiences. (We’ll be sharing a deeper dive on their stories in the Sonoma Corps spotlight below!)
Looking ahead to 2025–2026, the momentum is strong. We are excited to launch Path to Purpose our county-wide internship initiative, designed to give high school students across direct exposure to real careers and professionals in their communities. We’ll also continue expanding access to high-quality, industry-relevant courses, strengthening educator training, and advocating for policies and funding that support equitable access to CTE.
Building Pathways Through Challenge
Sonoma County is beginning to lay the groundwork for more meaningful, career-connected learning. In classrooms across the region, students are starting to explore fields like health care, engineering, construction, agriculture, clean energy and computer science—often for the first time. These early efforts show what’s possible when education meets relevance, and when students are given the chance to connect their interests to real-world opportunities.
It’s why we’re creating Path to Purpose – a new internship and career exploration program that will provide students with hands-on experience, exposure to local industries and mentorship from working professionals. This program will help students see what’s out there and begin to imagine futures that are both practical and purposeful, and right here in our county. We’re building it because we believe students shouldn’t have to wait until after high school to discover who they want to be.
But the road ahead is not without challenge.
Ongoing enrollment declines and tightening budgets are forcing school districts to make painful decisions, including program cuts and even school closures. According to local YouthTruth data, just 44% of non-CTE students say their school helped them understand the steps to achieve their career goals, compared to 55% of CTE students who feel prepared for college-level coursework and 50% who understand how to apply to college. Overall, many educators are being stretched thin. And far too many students – especially those in underserved or rural communities – still lack access to engaging, future-focused learning opportunities.
That’s why we believe this work is urgent. And why we’re committed to building the infrastructure, partnerships and systems that ensure every student in Sonoma County has a path to explore, dream and thrive.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Career technical education is not about college or career – it’s about expanding students’ options. We’re working to dismantle the outdated college vs. career mindset by equipping students with real-world skills, confidence, and a sense of agency. CTE helps close the gap between potential and opportunity, ensuring every student can choose the path that’s right for them.
At CTE Foundation, we are doubling down on our commitment to:
- Expand high-quality CTE course offerings across Sonoma County high schools
- Deepen partnerships with industry leaders to align pathways with real workforce needs
- Grow equitable internship and work-based learning opportunities through Path to Purpose
- Support educators with the training and tools to deliver relevant, hands-on instruction
- Advocate for systems-level change that centers student needs and long-term economic mobility
This is not just an education strategy. It’s a community strategy. Our region’s future workforce, economy and civic life depend on what we do today.
So, as we enjoy these summer months and gear up for the 2025–2026 school year, let this be our shared call to action. Let’s invest in programs that give students purpose. Let’s partner across sectors. Let’s build a future where every young person in Sonoma County has the tools and the support to thrive.
Because the future of Sonoma County is already here. They are sitting in our classrooms.
Let’s make sure they are ready.
-Eli Weinzveg, Executive Director, CTE Foundation of Sonoma County
July 2025
