Sutter Health has announced a partnership with the Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation Sonoma County to improve pathways for students in Sonoma and Lake Counties interested in health careers. The collaboration is supported by a $250,000 grant from the County Medical Services Program (CMSP) and is part of Sutter Health’s NextGen Scholars Workforce Development Program.
The three-year initiative will connect high school students and recent graduates to healthcare career certifications, real-world experiences, mentorship, and additional support services as they move from education to employment. The CTE Foundation will play an intermediary role, working with local schools to help create educational opportunities that lead to careers in healthcare fields.
“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, up to 40 students will participate in programs offered through their high schools or other community-based certificate programs. These students will receive personalized advising, career readiness workshops, and access to essential support services such as transportation, childcare, and tutoring.
The program also plans to introduce student stipends aimed at removing financial barriers for those taking part in work-based learning opportunities. This approach is intended to create a model that can be expanded elsewhere while ensuring equal access 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.”
In September, the CTE Foundation and its partners organized a student panel at Santa Rosa Junior College H.O.P.E. Center where participants shared their experiences pursuing health sciences education.
Sutter Health, CTE Foundation, and regional education organizations aim through this initiative to ensure that every student in Sonoma and Lake Counties can see themselves represented within local healthcare professions.
Founded in 2012, the CTE Foundation Sonoma County works with area schools and industry partners on developing courses across several sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, engineering, health care and hospitality. Since its inception it has invested over $18 million into local educational initiatives designed to prepare students for future careers.
