Northern Lakes College is a public, board-governed community college serving a large region of northern Alberta.
Northern Lakes College traces its history back to 1970-71, when Education Technicians were trained at the Alberta Vocational Centre in Grouard. The AVC and the Community Vocational Centres operated separately as provincially-administered institutions until they 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 on August 25, 1999, and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1996.
Northern Lakes College is a public, board-governed college. Its 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's vision is to be recognized as a first-choice community-based college with the most accessible programs and services in Alberta. Its stated values are Community, Respect, Accessibility, Collaboration, Excellence, and Lifelong Learning.
The college serves a region of 164,000 square kilometers and more than 50 communities, including fifteen First Nations and four Métis Settlements. It lists student residence locations in High Prairie, Fairview, Slave Lake, and Stony Point (Wabasca). Listed facilities include Student Residences, Library Services, Slave Lake Campus Meeting and Event Spaces, a Gymnasium with Climbing Wall, Momma B's Second Helping (Cafeteria and Catering), and the Northern Lights Aquatics Centre. The college is located on Treaty 8 territory.
The college offers face-to-face, blended, and Supported Distance Learning delivery options. It publishes a Viewbook each year with information on the programs and courses offered.
Alberta high school graduates may apply through the Apply Alberta (ApplyAlberta/APAS) application, or directly through the NLC Application for Admission. International applicants may use a placement test as an alternative to transcripts and an English language proficiency test. Academic Upgrading applicants take an Academic Upgrading placement test.