Preparing today's learners for tomorrow's challenges, the new WWU academic hub at Olympic College Poulsbo Campus is set to redefine education in the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas.
Western Washington University (WWU) is set to enhance its presence on the Olympic College Poulsbo Campus with the construction of a new 44,200 GSF academic building. This state-of-the-art facility will house hands-on learning spaces, student support services, and cutting edge technological research areas. A key component of this building is the new home for WWU’s Cyber Range Poulsbo program, a critical piece of infrastructure supporting cybersecurity and research across Washington State. With an anticipated budget of $71.6 million, primarily funded by state funds for the 2025-2027 biennium, this project aims to significantly boost educational opportunities in the region.
The Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas are among the most underserved regions in Washington for access to four-year and master’s-level degree programs. WWU’s new academic building will address this gap by expanding access to bachelor’s degree programs in high-demand fields, aligning with local business and industry needs. Current program offerings include cybersecurity, data science, business administration, and environmental studies. The Cyber Range has already become a major hub for cybersecurity education, supporting students from twelve colleges and universities and fifteen public school districts across the state. This expansion will accommodate the growing demand for specialized education and workforce training, fostering local talent to meet regional economic needs. By 2027, WWU anticipates enrolling an additional 300 students in existing and new programs, with a goal of 1,000 students over the next decade, solidifying its commitment to the educational and economic development of the Peninsulas.