Highline Community College

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY

DATE: April 4, 2007

CONTACT: Kelly Maloney, (206) 878-3710, ext. 3146

Mary Barkley, (253) 943-4015

Suzanne Sittner, (253) 943-4011

Highline’s PSEC Holds Information Meetings for Prospective Students

For high school students interested in attending for 2007-08 school year

DES MOINES, Wash. — Prospective students and their families are invited to learn about Highline Community College’s Puget Sound Early College (PSEC) at an Information Meeting on Wednesday, May 2nd at 6:30 p.m. PSEC gives high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate of arts degree simultaneously, tuition-free. There are costs for student fees, books, and supplies.

During an Information Meeting, prospective students—those who plan to enter the 11th and 12^th grades in fall 2007—and their families will tour Highline’s Federal Way campus, where PSEC classes are held. They’ll also observe a presentation on the program, review admissions materials and participate in a question-and-answer session with students and staff.

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Highline Community College
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Events will be held at the college’s Federal Way campus, 33320 1st Way S., Building A. For information, call (206) 878-3710, ext. 3679.

PSEC has a student body of only 120 students, which increases the attention each student receives and opportunities available to learners. “Our school is a small program focused on students,” said PSEC director Mary Barkley. “Students have one-on-one time with faculty for collaboration, advising, and mentoring. PSEC offers an intensive and individualized learning environment that supports high expectations for all of our students.”

The hands-on curriculum in the school inspires a passion for learning. Students recently produced documentaries for area non-profits, created curriculum for local schools, and have spoken in Olympia in support of pending legislation. “PSEC is more than just an education in books. There is a lot that I have learned about the real world,” said student Curtis McLaughlin.

Start-up funding for Puget Sound Early College came from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as part of its efforts to support schools in becoming “high achievement models through improved teaching and learning and enhanced access to technology.” Highline Community College received a $319,450 grant to create the program over a three-year period.

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Highline Community College was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County. With approximately 10,000 students and 350,000 alumni, it is one of the state’s largest institutions of higher education. The college offers a wide range of academic transfer and professional-technical education programs, with day, evening and weekend classes. Alumni include former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, entrepreneur Junki Yoshida and noted author Ann Rule.

Highline’s main campus is located midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99).

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