Northern Lakes College is a public, board-governed college in Slave Lake, Alberta, serving a large region of communities.
Northern Lakes College is a public college governed by a board. Its main campus is located at 1201 Main Street SE in Slave Lake, Alberta. The college currently serves a region of 164,000 square kilometers and more than 50 communities, including fifteen First Nations and four Métis Settlements. The college acknowledges that it is located on Treaty 8 territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Districts 13 to 15 and 20 to 22.
The college traces its history back to 1970-71, when Education Technicians were trained at the Alberta Vocational Centre in Grouard. The AVC Grouard and the Community Vocational Centres were amalgamated in 1988. A Governance Task Force review from 1995 led to the recommendation that the college be transitioned into a public board-governed college. 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 celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1996 and launched under its new name on August 25, 1999.
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. Its vision is to be recognized as a first-choice community-based college with the most accessible programs and services in Alberta. The college's stated values are Community, Respect, Accessibility, Collaboration, Excellence, and Lifelong Learning.
Programs are offered face to face, blended, or through Supported Distance Learning. The college publishes a Viewbook each year with information about the programs and courses offered.
Facilities listed include Student Residences, Library Services, Event and Meeting Spaces, and a Gymnasium with Climbing Wall at the Slave Lake Campus. Other facilities include Momma B's Second Helping cafeteria and catering services and the Northern Lights Aquatics Centre. The college also has a Fairview Campus.
Alberta high school students may apply through Apply Alberta (APAS) or directly to Northern Lakes College. International applicants may take a placement test or have transcripts evaluated through IQAS/CICIC, and must provide proof of English language proficiency.