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South Puget Sound Community College

Olympia, WA

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Quick Facts

1962
Founded
Community college
Type
2,692
Total Students
$5K
Tuition (In-State)
$6K
Tuition (Out-State)
$9K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Timothy Stokes

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About South Puget Sound Community College

From vocational training to comprehensive community college excellence.

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is a dynamic institution renowned for its robust career-focused education and its significant evolution in serving the South Sound region. Currently serving 4,252 students, SPSCC provides a vibrant learning environment committed to academic and professional growth, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to advance their careers or pursue higher education.

SPSCC's rich history began in 1962 as the Olympia Vocational Technical Institute (OVTI), founded to meet the growing demand for adult education in Olympia. Demonstrating foresight, the college embraced the opportunities presented by the 1967 Community College Act, joining the state system and gradually expanding its curriculum. This progressive journey led to its renaming in 1976 as Olympia Technical Community College (OTCC), and finally, in 1984, it adopted its current name, South Puget Sound Community College, truly reflecting its broad academic scope and regional impact.

Today, SPSCC empowers students through practical skills and diverse academic pathways. Its cornerstone is the Professional Technical Program, which offers 20 specialized programs tailored to launch or accelerate careers in high-demand fields. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree or gain valuable professional certifications, directly preparing them for the workforce. Additionally, the college offers Associate of Arts degrees, a pathway that has benefited hundreds of students since 1982, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that prepares graduates for both immediate employment and seamless transfer to four-year institutions.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1962, evolving from its origins as the Olympia Vocational Technical Institute.
  • Serves a diverse student body of 4,252, fostering a supportive academic community.
  • Offers a robust Professional Technical Program featuring 20 specialized career-focused offerings.
  • Students can achieve Associate in Applied Science degrees or valuable professional certifications.
  • Provides Associate of Arts degrees, opening pathways for further higher education.
  • Transitioned from a local vocational institute to a comprehensive regional community college by 1984.

Timeline

1957
Olympia school board began efforts to expand adult education opportunities.
1962
Established as Olympia Vocational Technical Institute (OVTI) in downtown Olympia.
1966
Expanded technical training to 14 different fields in response to community requests.
1967
The Community College Act offered OVTI the option to join the state community college system.
1976
Merged into District 12, becoming Olympia Technical Community College (OTCC).
1982
First Associate of Arts Degrees awarded to hundreds of students, and more programs were added.
1984
Renamed South Puget Sound Community College to reflect its progressive record and comprehensive growth.
🏛️
64 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Timothy Stokes
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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