SANTA ROSA, Calif. – Not-for-profit Sutter Health and Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation Sonoma County are proud to announce a new partnership, supported financially through a County Medical Services Program (CMSP) grant, to strengthen education-to-career pathways in Health Sciences for students in Sonoma and Lake Counties.
The $250,000 investment is part of Sutter Health’s NextGen Scholars Workforce Development Program, which aims to establish and expand the development of educational pathways for healthcare professions and para-professions in high schools, and improving access to quality healthcare careers. This three-year partnership will connect high school students and recent graduates to career certifications, real-world healthcare experiences, mentorship and additional wrap-around support services as they navigate their education-to-career journeys. Sutter’s investment builds on CTE Foundation’s intermediary role in Sonoma County to collaboratively create educational experiences that lead students to high-demand, high-wage and high-skill careers.
“This commitment from Sutter is a direct outcome of a Regional Blueprint for Health Science pathways that we’ve co-created with our high school leaders, post-secondary and industry partners,” said Leslie Simmons, vice president of Impact & Investments at CTE Foundation. “This funding will allow CTE Foundation to address barriers and provide meaningful support for students who are exploring careers in the healthcare field.”
Each year, CTE Foundation will guide a cohort of up to 40 students who are participating in a range of programs offered either through their high school CTE pathways, post-secondary programs, or other certificate-based programs offered in the community or through industry. Students will receive personalized advising, career readiness workshops and access to essential support services such as transportation, childcare and tutoring.
In addition, the program will launch a student stipend initiative to remove financial barriers to participation in work-based learning. This effort aims to create a scalable model that ensures equitable access to healthcare career opportunities for all students.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with CTE Foundation on this pilot investment,” said Bindi Gandhi, a director of External Affairs at Sutter Health. “At Sutter, we’re deeply committed to strengthening California’s healthcare workforce. Launching a program like this that can be replicated and scaled across the state will have an even greater positive impact in our communities for generations.”
The initiative is already taking shape. In September, CTE Foundation and partners co-hosted a student panel at the Santa Rosa Junior College H.O.P.E. Center, where students shared their educational journeys in health sciences. Their stories offered powerful reminders of why this work matters and how career-connected learning experiences help students find both purpose and possibility in the health field.
Together, Sutter Health, CTE Foundation and regional education partners are investing in a future where every student in Sonoma and Lake Counties can see themselves reflected in the healthcare careers that sustain and strengthen their communities.
