Summer Credential Programs

Summer programming provides a unique opportunity that is not possible during the traditional school day.  Summer programs offer training from industry experts that lead directly to careers with the certifications required for employment. 

All programs offer credit toward graduation, a completion stipend, and are completely free to all Tacoma School District students.  Read about the program offerings below, additional information is provided by clicking on the program titles. 

Explore our programs

Drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) 
This Interested in a career in aviation?  The drone program not only certifies you to commercially fly drones, it also exposes you to most of the topics covered during the first year of pilot school.  This program is highly structed with a mix of direct instruction, asynchronous learning, and hands-on flight time.  Learn more

Electrical Interim Credential
This program covers the same content as the first-year adult electrical apprentices learn. The program covers DC theory, electrical codes, safety, blueprint reading, circuits, and so much more. The course is an engaging online adventure where you have been woken up from a deep sleep on a space vehicle traveling to a distance universe. The ship experiences a failure, and the AI system wakes you up to fix it. As you learn, you solve problems to save the mission. In addition to online learning, you will also have hands-on time at Lincoln high school to practice what you are learning as well as some trips to the local union training center to learn from the absolute best trainers in the trade (IBEW local 26). This program and exams are offered at no cost to TPS students.  Learn more

Environmental Services Program
This credential program is offered during the summer break in collaboration with the City of Tacoma Environmental Services Department. Students in this course will earn credentials from the State of Washington's Department of Ecology: CESCL (Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Lead), flagger certification, American Red Cross: First Aid/CPR/AED, and OSHA10. This program and exams are offered at no cost to TPS students. Learn more

GAF Roofing Academy
The GAF Roofing Academy provides a comprehensive Residential steep slope & Commercial low slope roofing training. Students will also be introduced to a high-level introduction to solar integration. The graduates of the program receive OSHA 10 and GAF Roofing Academy certifications. Completion of the program signals to roofing employers that the graduates have the proper entry-level skills for a roofing installation job. Learn more

High School Introduction to Plumbers and Pipefitters (HIPP)
Learn from some of the best trainers in a world class facility, the Greater Western Washington Pipe Trades Union - Local 26. During your training, you will learn blueprint reading, pipe layout, soldering, welding, tube bending, and how to operate a scissor lift. This hands-on program will prepare you for working as an apprentice, in new construction, building the infrastructure behind the walls.  This program and exams are offered at no cost to TPS students. Learn more

Summer Jobs 253
This credential program is offered during the summer break in collaboration with the City of Tacoma. Students in this course will earn stipends from the city for their community service projects. This program is offered at no cost to TPS students.  Learn more

Tacoma Tideflats - Merchant Mariner
The Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) opens the doors to work on the water. From tugboats, to cruise ships, to private yachts, to deep see ocean freighters, the possibilities are seemly endless. This Coast Guard program trains you in basic lifesaving, basic firefighting, deep water rescue, and personal safety…everything needed to start your career on the water (yes, you will be in a pool learning to flip life rafts, learning to use “gumby suits,” and putting out fires while in full fire gear).  This program is offered at no cost to TPS students.  Learn more

Tacoma Tideflats - Warehouse and Logistics
The warehouse and logistics Tideflats program provides credentials for working in, and around, the Port of Tacoma. Participants will leave the program with OSHA 10, forklift, and flagger certifications as well as their TWIC card. Part of this program also consists of field trips for students to explore job opportunities, meet local employers, and connect with community members. This program is offered at no cost to TPS students.  Learn more

Wildland Firefighting
The Wildland Fire program trains students to safely fight forest fires. Career options are with federal agencies, state institutions, tribes, and private contractors. Learn to control forest fires using chainsaws, digging fire lines, tracking weather, and reading topography maps to control/predict the fire's direction.  you will also learn how to use appropriate safety gear, operate water pumps, and work in an emergency environment. This program is offered at no cost to TPS students.  Learn more