Rosy Avendaño and her supervisor, Teresita Madrigal, pose with Santa Rosa Community Health’s Certificate of Recognition at the Path to Purpose Employer Celebration on June 11, 2026.  By Rosy Avendaño  A year ago, I never would have imagined myself writing an opinion piece for CTE Foundation, or any organization. I was quiet. I avoided speaking in class whenever I could. Even though

Authored by Andriana Du Pree, Director of Development & Marketing Last year at CTE Foundation’s annual event, Spark the Future, we offered a live auction item that centered around a student-designed and student-supported dinner experience. Mark and Terri Stark, owners of Stark Reality Restaurants, placed the winning bid.  But instead of simply receiving the experience, Mark and Terri came back with a

Path to Purpose is a countywide high school internship program launched by Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation in partnership with the Sonoma County Office of Education. The program connects high school juniors and seniors with local employers for 40+ hours of hands-on career experience – building confidence, skills and a stronger workforce for Sonoma County. Read Sofia’s Story below!   Part 1:

“I’ve always wanted to be a baker,” said Kaylie, so it’s no surprise that she has twice enrolled in the Farm-to-Table Culinary class, one of many funded by CTE Foundation. “I love this class and recommend it for everyone,” said Kaylie, a sophomore at Cloverdale High School. “I like the fact that we cook every week and I learn new and better

“I promised my parents that I’d find a way to buy a small property and build them a house,” Brian says. “Hopefully in ten years, I can apply all the skills I’m learning here to do that.” Brian graduated from Healdsburg High in Spring 2019 after four years that he says were “a bit insane.” During his first couple of years in