In a Science Daily article from 2014, research indicated that students who were exposed directly to work environments in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields were more likely to decide to follow paths that will lead to such careers.

Connecting education to the real world is an opportunity that students at Sonoma Valley High School get to experience in the Linked Learning Program.  Vice Principal Andrew Ryan, who leads the pathway team at the high school explains, "This is a true partnership between public education and private enterprise, one that could lead to internships for future seniors and spark the interest of young men and women alike".

DBE works with community partners (businesses/individuals/civic organizations) to assist in securing jobs for our students. All students are eligible to sign up for Earn & Learn and the jobs will be dependent upon what jobs are available at the time of the students looking for work. We strongly encourage each of these students to faithfully attend school and work, arriving on time, passing each school course according to the requirements, and performing his/her work assignments in a satisfactory manner. Our goal is to consistently remain focused on the purpose of Earn & Learn and in doing so our students/community will benefit greatly from these endeavors.