Northern Lakes College is a public, board-governed college in Slave Lake, Alberta, serving adults across a large northern region.
Northern Lakes College is a public, board-governed college located at 1201 Main Street SE, Slave Lake, Alberta. 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. Its stated values are Community, Respect, Accessibility, Collaboration, Excellence, and Lifelong Learning. The college's vision is to be recognized as a first-choice community-based college with the most accessible programs and services in Alberta.
The college's history can be traced back to 1970-71, when Education Technicians were trained at the Alberta Vocational Centre (AVC) in Grouard. AVC 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, and marked its 50th anniversary in 2020.
The college offers programs in Academic Upgrading, Apprenticeship Trades, Business & Administrative Studies, Health Careers, Human Service Careers, Pre-Employment Trades, Resource Technology, and University Studies. It uses a Supported Distance Learning (SDL) model as a key delivery tool to reach students throughout its region and beyond.
The college's service region covers 164,000 square kilometers and more than 50 communities, including fifteen First Nations and four Métis Settlements. Student residence locations are in High Prairie, Fairview, Slave Lake, and Stony Point (Wabasca). Facilities include Library Services, Event and Meeting Rooms and a Gymnasium with Climbing Wall at the Slave Lake Campus, Momma B's Second Helping cafeteria and catering, and the Northern Lights Aquatics Centre.
Applicants may apply through Apply Alberta (APAS) if they are Alberta high school graduates, or directly using the NLC Application for Admission form. International students are admitted with transcript evaluation or a placement test. Separate admission routes exist for Academic Upgrading placement and apprenticeship programs.