Northern Lakes College is a community-based college in Alberta serving a 164,000 square kilometer region with adult education programs.
Northern Lakes College is located at 1201 Main Street SE in Slave Lake, Alberta. The college serves a region of 164,000 square kilometers and more than 50 communities, including fifteen First Nations and four Métis Settlements. It is located on Treaty 8 territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Districts 13 – 15 and 20 – 22. The college's mission is to provide quality educational programs and services that enable adults to continue their education, improve their employment opportunities, and enhance their quality of life, with respect for cultures and the needs of communities.
The college traces its history back to 1970-71, when Education Technicians were trained at the Alberta Vocational Centre (AVC) in Grouard. The AVC in Grouard and the community vocational centres were amalgamated in 1988. Board governance took effect on September 1, 1997, under an Interim Governing Authority, and the 11 member Board was established in April 1998. The college launched under its new name, Northern Lakes College, on August 25, 1999. The college celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1996.
The college publishes a Viewbook each year with information about its programs and courses. Programs are offered face to face, blended, or through Supported Distance Learning. Applicants may apply through Apply Alberta (APAS) if they are Alberta high school graduates, or directly through an NLC Application for Admission. A placement test may be used in lieu of transcripts, and international applicants may submit an English language proficiency test and IQAS transcript assessment.
The Slave Lake Main Campus and a Fairview Campus are part of the college. Facilities listed include Student Residences, Library Services, Meeting and Event Spaces, and a Gymnasium with Climbing Wall at the Slave Lake Campus. Other facilities include Momma B's Second Helping, a cafeteria and catering service, and the Northern Lights Aquatics Centre.