Sonoma County’s Approach to CTE and Pathways

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Shawnee Caruthers speaks with Kathy Goodacre, Principal Gabe Oliveira, and Vice Principal Erika Raffo about the transformative work happening in Sonoma County through the CTE Foundation and its partnership with Elsie Allen High School. Kathy discusses the foundation’s mission to invest in and expand career technical education (CTE) programs across the county, emphasizing the importance of connecting classroom learning to real-world applications and high-demand careers. 

The CTE Foundation of Sonoma County is a critical part of the Sonoma County California Accelerate ED cohort, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Accelerate ED is built on the idea that high schools can provide early access to quality higher education in ways that incorporate work-connected learning and have long-term benefits for students. This initiative helps state-based groups plan and build accelerated pathways between K-12 education, postsecondary education, and careers. 

Outline

• Introduction to CTE and Sonoma County's Vision
• Building Pathways: Elsie Allen High School's Transformation
• Accelerate ED Initiative and Community Connections
• Funding and Policy Support for CTE Programs
• Future Directions and Policy Recommendations

Links

• Watch the full episode here
• View the full blog post
• Accelerate ED Sonoma County
• CTE Foundation Sonoma County
• Kathy Goodacre
• Elsie Allen High School
• Vice Principal Erika Raffo
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