Clover Park Technical College: A Hub of Innovation, Community, and Workforce Development in Tacoma

# Clover Park Technical College: A Hub of Innovation, Community, and Workforce Development in Tacoma

Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) continues to solidify its role as a cornerstone of vocational education and community support in the Tacoma area. From expanding its program offerings to fostering a vibrant student community and securing significant institutional recognition, CPTC demonstrates a consistent commitment to preparing its students for high-demand careers and enriching the local landscape.

The year 2026 has already marked a significant milestone for the institution, with CPTC being named a “Leader College” by Achieving the Dream on March 4, 2026. This prestigious designation underscores the college’s dedication to student success and equity, reflecting its impactful strategies and outcomes in supporting diverse learners. This recognition is a testament to the college’s ongoing efforts to create an environment where all students can thrive.

Beyond institutional accolades, CPTC is actively evolving its program portfolio to meet contemporary workforce needs and student interests. On January 30, 2026, the college announced the return of its Barbering program, a revival that addresses a growing demand for skilled professionals in the personal care industry after years of absence. This reintroduction highlights CPTC’s responsiveness to market trends and its agility in adapting its curriculum. Further expanding its practical skill offerings, a new cooking class was introduced on November 14, 2025, designed to equip students with culinary skills, provide essential tools, and foster a deeper understanding of the food industry.

The college’s physical footprint and community reach are also expanding. April 16, 2025, saw the opening of the Eastside Training Center, a strategic move to bring vocational education closer to more residents and businesses in the region. This expansion is part of CPTC’s broader vision to make technical education accessible and relevant across Pierce County.

Student success remains at the heart of CPTC’s mission, and the college consistently celebrates the achievements of its learners. CPTC students showcased their exceptional talents at the National SkillsUSA Event on August 20, 2025, following earlier triumphs at the 2025 SkillsUSA competitions on April 3, 2025. These events provide invaluable opportunities for students to test their skills against peers and gain recognition for their mastery. The supportive atmosphere at CPTC is frequently lauded by its students, as exemplified by Jenny Nguyen, who shared on December 11, 2025, that her classmates create a strong sense of community, patiently guiding her through challenges rather than making her “feel small.” This ethos of mutual support is a hallmark of the CPTC experience.

To further bolster student well-being and engagement, CPTC has invested in dedicated support centers. The Male Engagement Center celebrated its grand opening on October 2, 2024, providing a vital resource for male students. This initiative follows the successful grand opening of the MOSAIC Center on October 3, 2022, which serves as a hub for diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering a welcoming space for all students. These centers underscore CPTC’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive campus environment.

Career readiness is a core component of CPTC’s educational philosophy. The return of the Career Conference on May 26, 2023, offered students invaluable networking opportunities and insights into various industries. Financial assistance also plays a crucial role in student success, with programs like the Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program, announced on October 28, 2021, providing critical support for those entering high-demand technology fields. Similarly, CPTC Welding Technology Program students Jose Bazan Jr. and Angel Esparza were recognized on March 11, 2021, as recipients of Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) Welder Program Scholarships, highlighting industry partnerships and student achievement. The CPTC Foundation’s 14th Annual Scholarship Celebration, which kicked off on September 28, 2020, with live international cooking classes, further demonstrates the college’s dedication to fundraising for student scholarships and emergency assistance.

The value of a technical education, particularly one grounded in real-world experience, is a recurring theme at CPTC. Ryan Reygers, whose path to success began with technical education, emphasized on December 24, 2020, that “one of the biggest benefits of a technical education is that you learn from people that have been where you want to go.” This sentiment reflects the college’s emphasis on faculty with industry expertise.

CPTC continues to adapt its programs to evolving industry standards. A new fast-track Pharmacy Technician program commenced in Summer 2021, announced on July 26, 2021, addressing the growing need for qualified professionals in the healthcare sector. Furthermore, the college has expanded its offerings to include Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, which were highlighted on June 11, 2021, as meeting the demand for high-level skills in various fields. The adaptability of CPTC’s programs was particularly evident during the pandemic, as Dental Assistant instructor Hannah Precour detailed on April 16, 2021, how the program and the dental industry itself responded to COVID-19, showcasing the college’s ability to pivot and innovate.

Beyond its educational mission, CPTC actively engages with and supports the broader community. The “You Belong Here” mural, unveiled on October 3, 2025, adds to the campus’s welcoming atmosphere. On November 12, 2021, CPTC hosted a Free Mobile Dental Clinic, providing essential health services to students and local residents. During the challenging times of the pandemic, the Bonney Lake Lowe’s demonstrated its community spirit by donating 2,000 KN95 masks to Clover Park students, an act of generosity acknowledged by the CPTC Foundation on September 15, 2020. The college’s commitment to its diverse communities was explicitly reaffirmed on October 30, 2020, underscoring its inclusive values.

Leadership and governance at CPTC have seen notable appointments and recognitions. Dr. James Neblett was welcomed to the college on February 1, 2024, bringing new expertise to the institution. Jesus Villegas became the newest CPTC trustee on March 2, 2023, and Governor Jay Inslee confirmed Alice Phillips as a new member of the Board of Trustees on March 15, 2021, ensuring robust leadership for the college’s future. The college also celebrated the long-standing dedication of its staff, with Chris Lewis retiring on November 20, 2020, after an impressive 41 years of service, and Dr. Broxson receiving congratulations on April 23, 2024, for an unspecified achievement.

Fundraising efforts continue to support CPTC’s students and programs. The 2nd Annual Scramble FORE Students took place on July 18, 2022, and the Third Annual Trek for Tech went virtual on August 19, 2020, demonstrating the CPTC Foundation’s resilience and creativity in securing resources. These initiatives, alongside CARES Act funds, have been crucial in helping technical college students afford their education, especially during times of economic uncertainty.

As Clover Park Technical College looks ahead, its recent achievements, expanding programs, and unwavering commitment to student and community support position it as a dynamic and essential institution in the Tacoma region, continually adapting to meet the evolving demands of the workforce and the needs of its diverse population.