Inspiring the Next Generation: Mike Hauser Academy Graduates Step into Sonoma County’s Future
On July 2, the stage at Person Theatre came alive with celebration, pride, and promise. Dozens of rising high school students—now graduates of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s 2025 Mike Hauser Academy—stood before their families, educators, and local leaders as proof of what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity.
Over three immersive weeks in June and July, students explored the real-world applications of STEM through hands-on experiences with some of Sonoma County’s most innovative employers, seeing firsthand how their classroom learning connects to real careers in our local economy.
Industry partners like Keysight Technologies, Medtronic, TLCD Architecture, PG&E, VIAVI Solutions, and more opened their doors, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at advanced manufacturing, energy systems, biotechnology, and engineering. These aren’t just field trips—they’re early exposures to the kinds of in-demand careers that drive our regional economy forward.
“We really enjoyed hosting the students and showing them what Keysight is all about,” said a representative from Keysight. “Inspiring the next generation is a privilege we look forward to every year.”
And the inspiration goes both ways. At Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology, the impact of these interactions was undeniable:
"The amazed looks of wonder on the students’ faces when introduced to medical technology was absolutely priceless and revealed the impact of this incredible program in opening them up to new worlds and possibilities,” the company shared.
The Mike Hauser Academy isn’t just about learning science, technology, engineering, and math. It’s about helping students see a place for themselves in the careers shaping our region. It’s about building confidence, curiosity, and the skills that will fuel the next generation of Sonoma County’s workforce.
But the most powerful takeaway wasn’t just technical knowledge—it was confidence. Students gained the self-belief that they can succeed in high school, explore college pathways, and pursue careers they might not have considered before. Conversations with engineers, designers, and technicians helped them see not just what STEM careers look like—but that those careers are within reach.
The Mike Hauser Academy is a workforce development initiative at its core—rooted in equity, access, and opportunity. By connecting students with local companies and professionals, the program helps bridge the gap between education and employment, especially in high-demand sectors. It fosters talent right here in our community, helping ensure a more prepared, diverse, and inspired future workforce for Sonoma County.
“SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit) was honored to once again participate in the Mike Hauser Academy this year,” the organization shared. “We appreciated the opportunity to connect with students and educators and contribute to a program that inspires local youth to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. We’re proud to be part of a community that invests in meaningful initiatives like MHA—programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and expand access to future STEM career pathways.”
Just as importantly, it empowers students to see their own potential. By talking with professionals who look like them, who faced similar challenges, and who are now thriving in their fields, students—many of whom are English language learners or first-generation college hopefuls—leave the Academy with a greater belief in themselves, in what they’re capable of, and that their future is full of possibility.
With major funding from the John Jordan Foundation and powered by strong partnerships, the Mike Hauser Academy plays a critical role in shaping students' mindsets at a pivotal age. Together, we’re helping young people imagine their futures—and giving them the tools to build them.
Congratulations to the Mike Hauser Academy Class of 2025. Keep dreaming big, keep asking questions, and keep building the future—one inspired step at a time.
