SPARK THE FUTURE!

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JOIN US THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2027!

At the Sonoma County fairgrounds, Santa Rosa

For ten years, Spark the Future! has brought Sonoma County together to celebrate our students, and our educators and industry partners shaping our region's future workforce. On Thursday, May 6, 2027, CTE Foundation Sonoma County marks the event's 10th anniversary with our biggest Student Showcase yet. 

Spark the Future! is where career technical education (CTE) comes to life. High school students from across the county present the work they've built in and out of their classrooms: from engineered prototypes and culinary creations to digital media, health science demonstrations, agriculture, construction trades and more. Guests don't just observe, they talk with students about their projects, try hands-on activities, and see firsthand the skills and confidence that career-connected learning builds. 

This milestone year, Spark the Future! is bigger than ever, and we're opening our doors wider. The event moves to a new home at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, and new, expanded Student Showcase tickets invite families, educators, employers and community members to explore more student projects and hands-on opportunities than ever before. The evening continues with a celebratory dinner and our Fund-A-Need in Saralee and Richard’s Barn, where guests have the opportunity to invest directly in the programs and experiences that open doors for students across Sonoma County. 

Join us as we celebrate a decade of Spark the Future! and invest in the next ten years of student success. 

Sponsor Spark the Future!
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Teachers - Apply for the showcase!

EVENT SCHEDULE

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Student Showcase

Starting at 4:00PM

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Seated Dinner, Drinks & Program

Following the Student Showcase

TEACHERS: APPLY FOR THE 2027 STUDENT SHOWCASE!

Applications due Friday, December 18, 2026

Spark the Future! turns 10 this year, and the Student Showcase is the center of the celebration. It will have more time to present, more room for booths, and a new Showcase-only ticket that welcomes school staff, families and the wider community. We’re also increasing class grants and award prizes.

  • $350 class grant: For every participating class. Culinary classes receive $500 to help cover ingredients.

  • +$5 per token: Attendees vote with tokens, and each one adds $5 to your class’s grant.

  • $350 teacher stipend: For the teacher leading the project (one per class).

  • +$350 award grants: For the Student Showcase Winner, the Culinary Showcase Winner, and more awards to be announced.

Space is limited, so apply early. Selected classes will be notified by January 19, 2027.

Questions? Contact Brandon Jewell at bjewell@ctesonomacounty.org.

APPLY FOR THE SHOWCASE

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

STUDENT SHOWCASE

What makes Spark the Future! a unique experience? Our Student Showcase!

Over 100 students from nearly 20 CTE classes will proudly highlight their remarkable work. Projects include artistic engineering feats, extensive automotive projects, delicious culinary treats, creative business and marketing ideas and unique construction projects.

Each class receives a grant for participating and attendees can increase that grant by voting for their favorites! Buy tokens at the door, drop them with the classes whose work moved you, and every token adds $5 directly to that classroom's grant. Students watch their jars fill in real time.

For our 10th Anniversary of Spark the Future!, the Student Showcase will be open to guests at any ticket level - even those not attending the seated dinner! More information coming soon.

2027 Class Participants Coming soon!
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DINNER, DRINKS & PROGRAM

Enjoy a delicious family-style meal and learn about how CTE Foundation supports career-connected education for Sonoma County students.

You will hear stories from the amazing work happening inside and outside of the classroom, directly from students, and have the opportunity to join us in ensuring more young people have access to these critical learning opportunities, so they can thrive in their futures.

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Put Your Name on the tenth anniversary.

Reserved tables, Presenting Sponsor-billing, and tiered sponsorships are open now. Workforce Champions starting at $2,999 annually receive event placements as part of their year-round sponsorships.

Explore Sponsorships
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