Ever wonder where Seattle’s first high school once stood? Today, right here, is Seattle Central College. It is more than just bricks and mortar. Seattle Central College is a story of evolution and community impact.
Let’s step back to 1902. Broadway High School opened its doors. It was Seattle’s first dedicated high school. Fast forward to the end of World War II. The high school transformed into Edison Technical School. This change served veterans seeking vocational training.
In 1966, a significant shift occurred. Seattle Community College was established on July 1. It became the city’s first two-year college. The college originally operated out of 11 buildings. These buildings belonged to the Seattle School District. The main location was the former Edison Technical School. Tuition was affordable at just $60 per quarter. Nearly 14000 students enrolled in the first year.
As the seventies rolled in, further changes came. North Seattle and South Seattle community colleges were founded. Seattle Community College then became Seattle Central Community College. The name reflected its central location in the city.
Seattle Central continued to evolve over the decades. In 2014, it adopted the name Seattle Central College. This change mirrored its offering of four-year bachelor’s degrees. The college also provides two-year degrees and short-term certificates.
Seattle Central College has several notable alumni. Among them is Bruce Lee. He was a martial artist and Hollywood star. Duff McKagan is another famous name. He played bass with Guns N’ Roses. Macklemore also attended Seattle Central. He took Running Start classes.
The college campus is located on Capitol Hill. It sits along Broadway and west of Cal Anderson Park. The main building is the five-story Broadway-Edison Building. The Mitchell Activity Center provides recreational facilities. It features gymnasiums and racquetball courts. Full-time students can access it for a small annual fee.
Seattle Central College offers various academic programs. These include bachelor’s degrees in Applied Behavioral Science and Allied Health. The college also provides ESL training. This assists non-native speakers in achieving English proficiency. Seattle Central has a maritime academy. It offers training for students entering the U.S. Merchant Marine. The Seattle Culinary Academy provides certificates in culinary arts. The Wood Technology Center offers certificate programs in carpentry.
The college newspaper has an interesting history. It was initially called The City Collegian. It ran from 1966 to 2008. Controversies led to its shutdown. The paper returned as New City Collegian in 2012. It was sponsored by Cupcake Royale. Since 2018, the college newspaper has continued as The Seattle Collegian.
Seattle Central College celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016-2017. This milestone marked its lasting impact on the community. From its origins as Broadway High School to its current form, Seattle Central College remains a cornerstone of education in Seattle.