In Focus: Puget Sound Skills Center
The classrooms at Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) are not your typical high school classrooms.
One is an auto body shop, full of cars that students fix and paint. Another is a dental clinic, where students help patients with cleanings and x-rays. At the Class Act Restaurant, students cook and serve diners daily. It's not uncommon to spot firefighting students practicing drills across campus.
These are just a few examples of the 19 diverse programs and learning spaces offered at Highline's PSSC. The skills center prepares high school juniors and seniors for the future they choose through specialized career and technical learning.
Students split their day between their home high schools and the skills center. PSSC allows them to earn high school and college credits. Students can also earn industry-specific certifications in some of the programs.
PSSC is one of 14 skills centers in Washington, providing high-quality, tuition-free technical and professional training.
Institute for Culinary Arts & Sciences Program
Students in the Institute for Culinary Arts & Sciences Program learn how to excel in the food and beverage industry.
Students have range aspirations—becoming a professional chef, opening their own restaurant or authoring a cookbook.
Students operate the Class Act Restaurant where diners from the public can book reservations for breakfast and lunch. Students get a hands-on, workplace experience where they learn and practice how to cook, develop recipes and pair flavors, and manage a kitchen and a business. Students also learn about the science behind baking and gastronomy.
See how our students are gaining the expertise to explore their culinary passions and jumpstart their careers in food service.
Dental Assisting Program
Students in PSSC's Dental Assisting program gain a first-hand experience in the dental profession.
Students participate in hands-on training at PSSC's state-of-the-art dental clinic. They assist with dental exams, practice taking x-rays and impressions, maintain equipment and support administrative tasks. Students also learn about oral health, infection control, various dental procedures, and patient communication and care.
Students are exposed the wide range of careers in the dental field including dentist, orthodontist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, laboratory technician, insurance coordinator and office manager.
See how our students are being equip to thrive in this vital and in-demand area of healthcare.