Path to Purpose is a countywide high school internship initiative designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. Designed in partnership with Sonoma County Office of Education, Path to Purpose is aimed at providing equitable access to high school internships and a streamlined experience for employers.
Path to Purpose provides equitable access to high-quality internship experiences for high school juniors and seniors in Sonoma County. Internships are 40 or more hours throughout the Spring semester.
We also make it simple and rewarding for local employers to invest in the next generation of talent through a flexible internship model with resources and training included.
THE DIFFERENCE
What Makes This Program Unique?
- Centralized Application System: Students apply once to be considered for multiple internship opportunities.
- Customized Matching: We match students based on their interests, availability, and career goals – not by company.
- Spring Semester Internships: Internships take place during the school year and are eligible for college credit.
- Support for Employers: Optional monthly workshops and on-call support to make internship hosting seamless.
- Equity-Focused: Designed to eliminate barriers and ensure all students have access to high-quality opportunities.
TIMELINE
Fall 2026 & Spring 2027
Impact - Our Pilot Year 2025-2026
Path to Purpose launched its pilot year in Fall 2025. Applications opened that Fall, and internships began in Spring 2026. With a modest first-year goal of 25 applicants, Path to Purpose ultimately received nearly ten times that number.
249
Applications received from 22 high schools
105
Internships placed
53
Employers hosting internships
YEAR-ONE INTERNSHIP HOSTS
42 Employers Said Yes.
Animal Hospital of Cloverdale
Blue Apple Dental Group
BPM
Business Alliance Sonoma County
Catholic Charities
Center for Well Being
Ceres Community Project
County of Sonoma
CTE Foundation
Curly Doodle Dog Grooming
Dahlia & Sage
Galactic Health Center
Hansel BMW
Hansel Toyota
Humane Society
Individual & Family Support Network (IFSN)
Kaiser Permanente
Lehr Insurance
LEMO Americas
Manzanita Grove Vineyard
Martin Reed & Jennifer Klein Real Estate Team
PACE Supply
Pathways Charter
Pepperwood Preserve
Preferred Sonoma Caterers
Providence Health
QKA Architects
Rebuild Together Petaluma
Regenerative Education Alliance
Samantha Paull Events
Santa Rosa Community Health
Schulz Museum
Sonoma County Fire District & Medic Ambulance
Sonoma County Office of Education
Sonoma Valley Community Health
Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
Sutter Health
Sustainable Living Builders
Township Animal Hospital
United Cerebral Palsy North Bay
YMCA
Founding Partner:
Sonoma County Office of Education
Workforce Partners:
County of Sonoma
Mark West Chamber of Commerce
North Coast Builder's Exchange
Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce
Russian River Chamber of Commerce
Santa Rosa Metro Chamber
Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative
Sonoma County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Windsor Chamber of Commerce
