Bow Valley College is a public college in Calgary, Alberta, funded by the Government of Alberta.
Bow Valley College is a public college in Calgary, funded by the Government of Alberta. The college describes itself as the city's only community college, offering flexible programs, practical learning, and support for students. It has 700 employees. Its Calgary Downtown address is 345 - 6 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4V1. The college aims to uphold the intention of the numbered friendship treaties from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples.
Bow Valley College traces its beginnings to 1963, when a small group of students gathered in the basement of SAIT's Administration Building for Vocational Preparatory training. It was originally known as the Alberta Vocational Centre (AVC), which built its reputation on practical programs shaped by the needs of adults and industry. In 1972, the college moved to 332 – 6 Avenue SE, the site of today's North Campus. The expanded campus opened in 2013 after construction began in 2010, doubling capacity. In 2023, the college became a Comprehensive Community College, strengthening its role in addressing Alberta's skills gaps and supporting economic growth.
The college has six schools: School of Creative Industries & Digital Technology, Chiu School of Business, School of Foundational Learning, School of Community Studies, School of Health and Wellness, and Bharwani School of Arts and Sciences. In 2005, the college launched its first Academic Plan to grow career programs, English language learning, and academic foundations. Ninety-one percent of graduates are employed within a year of completing their studies.
Campus facilities include South Campus, the Digital Entertainment Nexus (DEN), the Virtual Production Hub, the Esmail & Safana Bharwani Event Space, TransAlta Hall, the Ali Family Intercultural Centre, and the Iniikokaan Centre. Amenities listed include underground parking, bike parking, a multi-faith room, a bookstore, and a cafeteria.