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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

SPSCC: Your community pathway to technical skills, career advancement, and academic success.

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is a vibrant institution dedicated to empowering individuals through technical training and academic programs in the Olympia area. With a student body of over 4,250, SPSCC serves as a crucial hub for local education, fostering career readiness and personal growth. It stands as a beacon for those seeking practical skills, new career paths, or a solid foundation for further academic pursuits.

SPSCC's rich history began in 1962 as the Olympia Vocational Technical Institute (OVTI), initially located in downtown Olympia. Born from the Olympia school board's vision in 1957 to expand adult education, the institution quickly adapted to community needs, broadening its technical training offerings to 14 fields by 1966. Its pivotal moment arrived with the Community College Act of 1967, leading to its integration into the state's community college system. After merging into District 12 and becoming Olympia Technical Community College (OTCC) in 1976, the college continued its expansion, ultimately being renamed South Puget Sound Community College in 1984 to reflect its progressive achievements and broader scope.

A cornerstone of SPSCC's academic offerings is its comprehensive Professional Technical Program. This program is specifically designed to equip students with highly sought-after technical skills, preparing them directly for successful careers or assisting them in transitioning into new professional fields. Students can choose from 20 distinct programs, culminating in either an Associate in Applied Science degree or a specialized certification, ensuring a practical and direct path to employment. This focus on real-world application underscores SPSCC's commitment to delivering relevant and impactful education.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1962 as Olympia Vocational Technical Institute (OVTI).
  • Serves over 4,250 students annually, fostering local community growth.
  • Offers a robust Professional Technical Program with 20 distinct fields of study.
  • Students can earn valuable Associate in Applied Science degrees or career-specific certifications.
  • Evolved from a local vocational institute into a comprehensive community college.
  • First awarded Associate of Arts Degrees in 1982, expanding academic opportunities.

Timeline

1957
Olympia school board began efforts to expand adult education opportunities
1962
Established as Olympia Vocational Technical Institute (OVTI)
1966
Expanded technical training to 14 fields
1967
Community College Act provided option to join community college system
1976
Merged into District 12, becoming Olympia Technical Community College (OTCC)
1982
First Associate of Arts Degrees awarded; additional programs added
1984
Renamed South Puget Sound Community College
🏛️
64 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within South Puget Sound Community College

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Professional Technical Program

Offers 20 programs designed for gaining technical skills for future careers or to prepare for a new career, leading to Associate in Applied Science degrees or certifications.

Leadership

Timothy Stokes
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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