For the past three years, The Almanor Foundation (TAF) has focused its energy on one of Plumas County’s most pressing needs: housing. As a small but dedicated board, we know we can’t solve every challenge our region faces—but we can lean in where we’re needed most. That’s why our next initiative will focus on something equally vital to our community’s future: Workforce Development with a focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE).
What is CTE?
Career and Technical Education prepares students for high-wage, high-growth careers through hands-on learning, industry-aligned training, and real-world experience. From healthcare to hospitality, agriculture to digital media, CTE equips learners with the skills they need to thrive—and helps rural economies like ours stay relevant and resilient.
Why Now?
California’s Community Colleges, with leadership from the Chancellor’s Office, are investing in proven workforce training models that prioritize access, inclusion, and employer engagement. These investments aim to:
- Expand Learn and Earn programs like internships and apprenticeships
- Partner with community-based organizations (like TAF) to provide wraparound support
- Recognize prior learning (such as military experience) for college credit
- Teach 21st-century digital skills and literacy
- Make data-informed regional investments in priority sectors
Priority Industry Sectors
Priority industry sectors are defined as specific industry groups that are vital for the state’s economic growth and workforce development. These designations are used to target investment, training funds, and support programs to foster growth and job creation in key areas. For Plumas County, priority industry sectors include:
- Agriculture
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Healthcare
- ICT-Digital Media
- Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism
How Does TAF Fit In?
We’re in the early stages of listening, learning, and exploring how we can support this work. In October, TAF Directors joined K14 Strong Workforce Pathway Coordinators for the Far North Region: Lisa Kelly (also a TAF Director) and Kaitlyn Thorne (Lassen County), along with Rachel Molsee CTE Manager for Plumas Unified to tour Chester High School’s CTE programs in Health (dental assisting), Graphic Design, and Agricultural Welding.
Additional tours are planned at high schools and charter schools in both Lassen and Plumas Counties, as well as at Feather River and Lassen Community Colleges. These visits will help identify Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs designed to launch students into living-wage careers—whether through community college, certification programs, or directly after high school.
By identifying the existing programs and partnerships that are already preparing our emerging workforce, TAF can offer targeted support in a multitude of capacities: mentorship, work-based learning opportunities, advisory committees, and other collaborative efforts.
Our Commitment
TAF is committed to becoming a collaborative partner in this effort—supporting the educators, coordinators, and employers who are opening doors for youth and young adults across our county. Because when we invest in opportunity, we invest in the future of Plumas County.
Together, we can keep our communities alive and well.
