Career Pathways
An overarching goal of the Career Development/Workforce Preparation department is to enhance and support a countywide instructional system of career pathways.
What is a career pathway? A career pathway is a coherent sequence of rigorous academic and technical courses that prepares students for successful completion of state academic standards and supports transition to more advanced post-secondary coursework related to a career area of interest.
Sonoma County’s career pathways include district-developed job skills classes and Regional Occupational Program (ROP) courses administered by the Sonoma County Office of Education. ROP courses are generally the “capstone” experience in a high school career pathway and can lead directly to employment or to future education/training.
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An important aspect of career pathways is that they align school-based career learning to what’s really happening in the workplace today. An advisory committee for each sector provides ongoing advice on pathway content, classroom materials and equipment, and the workplace standards associated with that industry. The goal is to deliver effective career training to students and to do so within the context of a coordinated countywide program that’s linked to local workforce needs.
The following videos provide examples of some of the career pathways in Sonoma County schools. The programs were selected as finalists for the 2009 Jack London Award administered by Sonoma State University.
Career Pathways | 2010-11 | This publication describes high school career pathways in Sonoma County and lists pathway programs by school. It is available for download in English (pdf) and Spanish (pdf).
Health Career Pathway, Casa Grade High | May 2009
This rigorous program prepares students for post-secondary health science programs, training, and employment.
Vineyard Academy, Windsor High School | May 2009
Vineyard Academy utilizes the hospitality and culinary environment to engage and educate students.
