Redwood Coast K-16
The Redwood Coast K-16 Education Collaborative, is a network of educational leaders who are passionate about uplifting our community by utilizing resources to support the futures of local students. This collaborative consists of funded partnerships between Cal Poly Humboldt, Sonoma State University, UC Davis, College of the Redwoods, and Mendocino College. In addition, we have a memorandum of understanding with regional county offices of education. Our Steering Committee consists of administrators from each of these institutions as well as community/industry partners who guide our efforts.
Recent News:
Humboldt County welcomed healthcare leaders, educators, and policymakers to the third annual Healthcare Education & Workforce Summit at the Blue Lake Casino Hotel’s Sapphire Palace on October 10th.
The event focused on addressing critical workforce education and training gaps affecting local healthcare employers and developing community-driven solutions to strengthen Humboldt County’s healthcare workforce. The summit was organized and sponsored by the Redwood Coast K-16 Educational Collaborative, Humboldt County Workforce Development Board, North Far North Regional Consortium, College of the Redwoods, Cal Poly Humboldt, Humboldt County Office of Education, and the Humboldt Del Norte Medical Society, building on previous events held in Lake and Mendocino Counties.
The day began with a Land Acknowledgement and Blessing by Dr. Jason Ramos, Chairman of the Blue Lake Rancheria, and opening remarks from Supervisor Michelle Bushnell. Attendees included 4th District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo and candidate for Lieutenant Governor Janelle Kellman, along with representatives from state, county, education, and economic development agencies.
Organizers and panelists engaged in discussions aimed at closing workforce gaps and fostering culturally aware, community-led solutions to the healthcare staffing challenges facing Humboldt County. The summit provided a platform for collaboration and innovation, reinforcing the region’s commitment to building a resilient healthcare workforce prepared to meet the needs of the community.
Amber Cavanugh, Director of Adult and Community Education at College of the Redwoods, and panelist for this event, said, “My hope is that participants left with a sense of collective ownership — that each of us has a role to play in growing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Whether through training programs, supportive services, or partnerships that remove barriers for local residents, we can only meet workforce needs when we co-design solutions rooted in belonging, access, and sustainability. Because at the end of the day, addressing our workforce shortage isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about building a healthcare system that truly reflects and serves the people who live here.”
"Through efforts of the Redwood Coast K-16 Educational Collaborative, housed at Cal Poly Humboldt, Executive Director Angela Shull has facilitated communication between the institution and regional high schools. The Collaborative’s mission of nurturing a college-going culture is deeply rooted in the region’s local high school students’ success at Cal Poly Humboldt."
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Program Goals
The Redwood Coast K-16 Education Collaborative, an initiative of the Governor’s Council for Post-secondary Education, will develop pathways from K-16 to careers in the Redwood Coastal areas (Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, and Lake counties) with the intent of:
- Increasing the number of graduates with postsecondary degrees in high growth, high wage disciplines that will meet the region’s economic and labor needs, particularly in healthcare and education markets
- Reducing disparities among historically underrepresented populations in degree attainment
- Improving graduation rates and shortening the time of completion rates of postsecondary education
- Utilizing Recovery with Equity strategies, as outlined by CDE, to reduce effects of the pandemic on all students, particularly those in underserved communities
Recovery with Equity Strategies
We intend to increase the accessibility of early college credit opportunities and CTE classes that provide employable skills for high school students. We also intend to expand opportunities for workforce development. We are particularly committed to closing the gap in accessibility for historically underrepresented students.
We intend to support students with activities that demystify the college experience as many in our region will be first generation college students. Some relevant activities include linking careers to students' interests, advising students on CCGI's Cradle to Career system, supporting college tours, arranging guest speakers, and supporting fair participation. Creating a college going culture extends beyond schools to the communities surrounding students.
Utilizing and assessing the collective resources of our community partners, we can ascertain how to build upon them and leverage effective solutions as well as determine the areas of need. Building upon collective strengths dismantles “silo” work and creates stronger partnerships working toward improved student outcomes.
Creating a successful community of practice will organize our Redwood Coast regional assets to share resources and information on how to most effectively increase student academic achievement and advance local student interest in healthcare and education careers.