By Michele Smith

Governor Jay Inslee recently proclaimed May 12, 2016 ‘Puget Sound Skills Center Day’. What’s this about? For the past 50 years, PSSC in Burien has successfully provided real-world career training that enables high school students to develop employment, leadership and other life skills responsive to current and future industry needs.

Long ago, the wildly popular Dental Assistant and Nursing Assistant – Certified programs have exceeded enrollment, for 10 years the staff at PSSC have worked tirelessly to obtain funding for a new Health Sciences Building to expand the programs. The Health Sciences building will be constructed with state funding approved by the legislature last year on property already owned by the school district. They are able to break ground March 18th, 2016 with new classes beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.

PSSC serves students from 22 area high schools in the Federal Way, Highline, Tahoma, and Tukwila school districts. Because of the high demand and enrollment pressure, a Third Session (3:15 – 5:15PM) is now available. Additional Third Session programs include Culinary Arts, Welding taught at Renton Technical College, and Court Reporting & Captioning taught on PSSC’s campus by Green River College staff. 

“We are excited about the possibilities and partnerships this new building will bring to our consortium districts of Federal Way, Highline, Tahoma, and Tukwila school districts to provide workers for the local and regional health care community.” Principal/Director Todd Moorhead told us.  

If you and your child are interested in learning about what PSSC has to offer, you are welcome to attend any of the events listed below. To learn more call (206) 631-7300 or visit www.highlineschools.org/pssc

Career Camp
March 10th, 3:30PM – 6:00PM
18010 8th Ave South, Burien 98148

Designed to give students a formal introduction to the skills and education required to succeed in the professions of their choice. Career Camp is open to all 8th grade students from the Highline, Federal Way, Tukwila and Tahoma School Districts. There are18 different programs offered in five clusters; Business/Marketing & Administration, Hospitality & Tourism, Human Services, Information Technology, Science & Health, and Trades & Industry.. For the complete list visit http://www.highlineschools.org/domain/667

Health and Science Building Ground Breaking Ceremony and Reception
March 18th 2:00PM
18010 8th Ave South, Burien 98148
50th Anniversary – Celebrate the Legacy - PSSC Open House for Alumni & Supporters & Social
May 12th, 8:00AM – 2:00PM
18010 8th Ave South, Burien 98148

50th Anniversary – Celebrate the Legacy - Evening Celebration Silent Auction & Raffle Fundraiser
May 12th, 5:00PM

RSVP to Ardieta.Gunstone@highlineschools.org by May 3rd
Normandy Park Cove: 1500 SW Shorebrook Dr Normandy Park 98166