About Us

Vision: The Opportunity Center for Education and Employment is recognized for empowering people to achieve their highest potential.

Mission: To advance quality of life by providing integrated and comprehensive social, educational, and employment services.

Guiding Principles & Values: Respect & Inclusion, Collaboration & Partnership, Innovation, Integrity, Empowerment

Opportunity Center History

The OCE&E was approved in 2010 by the Washington State Legislature (HB 2684) and funded through a combination of state capital projects funds and a general obligation bond. The Center was championed in the Washington State Legislature by House Speaker Frank Chopp and by Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney, who sponsored the legislation.  The OCE&E is the first all-in-one location of its kind in the state of Washington.

The Opportunity Center opened in May 2011 to customers and each year assists thousands of customers to achieve their educational and employment goals in addition to meeting their basic needs.

Founding partners were the Department of Social and Health Services, the Employment Security Department, North Seattle College, and the Workforce Development Council.

Opportunity Center for Education & Employment Building Facts

Designed by Schacht Aslani Architects of Seattle, the 45,100 square foot facility fosters collaboration between multiple agencies without departmental boundaries, including a common reception area and shared classroom space.

The Center was designed and constructed to maximize energy efficiency and sustainable building principles. The project received LEED Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).