Fifty-seven years ago, the Sabin Schellenberg Technical Center opened its doors for the first time under a different name: the Owen Sabin Occupational Skills Center. The North Clackamas School District students were given a new set of hands-on learning opportunities. Only three courses were offered, but they built the foundation for SSC to establish itself into what it is today. Presently, students from Rex Putnam, Adrienne C. Nelson, Clackamas, Milwaukee, and New Urban can grow their knowledge through the courses offered in 18 different career fields.

The Sabin Schellenberg Center’s mission revolves around building today’s and tomorrow’s leaders by preparing students to enter the workforce or become college-ready. The center sets itself apart from other educational institutions by providing college articulation allowing students to earn dual high school and college credit for Clackamas Community College. In addition, there are multiple different types of I.T. certifications students can earn at the SSC. Some certifications that can be earned include A+, CISCO, and RCHE. The Sabin Schellenberg Center provides learners with the tools needed to build a successful career in their field of choice.

Inside the classroom, an emphasis is placed on the importance of time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Honing these skills early in one’s education teaches students how to thrive in their future workplace. SSC believes that the best way to gain these skills is through hands-on experiences. Students from the culinary department get a taste of what it’s like to work in a real kitchen. Anastasia Pukhalskiy, class of ‘26 from Nelson High School, is considering becoming a pastry chef. She believes the tips she has learned throughout her class will continue to come in handy in her future kitchen, as well as when she is assisting in the kitchens of others. Isabella Ross, class of ‘27 from Milwaukee High School, states “You can make food for other people and put it on your resume for the future.” The culinary course at SSC is providing her with the ability to gain experience and build a reputation in the culinary field which will benefit her later in life. 

The Sabin Schellenberg Center is actively involved with SkillsUSA, a career technical student organization. SkillsUSA offers contests for talented students to showcase their skills in areas they are experts in. Competitions start locally and advance to the state and even national level. Winners of these contests demonstrate their skills in an impressive manner which can attract future employers. 

Presently, over 3,500 students are engaging in meaningful classes at the three different campuses the Sabin Schellenberg Center offers. In the Advanced Journalism program, a group of 8 passionate students are working under the mentorship of new SSC teacher Jeffrey Martin. We want to engage in strong collaboration between the different programs to give talented SSC students a spotlight. As student journalists, it’s our job to speak on behalf of the entire student population at Sabin Schellenberg. If any fellow students wish to contact us about possible story inquiries, please contact us through these emails,  [email protected] or [email protected] . We are looking forward to supplying SSC students with stories rooted in equality, integrity, and truth.