Northern Lakes College is a community-based college in Alberta serving a large region of more than 50 communities.
Northern Lakes College is located at the Slave Lake Main Campus, 1201 Main Street SE, Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A3. The college operates across more than one-quarter of the Province of Alberta. It is located on Treaty 8 territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Districts 13 – 15 and 20 – 22, the traditional lands of First Nations and Métis Peoples.
Northern Lakes College launched under its new name on August 25, 1999. 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 CVCs 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. 2020 marked the college's 50th anniversary.
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 vision is to be recognized as a first-choice community-based college with the most accessible programs and services in Alberta. The stated values are Community, Respect, Accessibility, Collaboration, Excellence, and Lifelong Learning.
Programs are delivered face to face, blended, or through Supported Distance Learning (SDL), a key delivery tool that helps the college reach students throughout the region and beyond. Listed campus facilities include a Student Residence, Library, Slave Lake Campus Meeting and Event Spaces, Gymnasium with Climbing Wall, Momma B's Second Helping (Cafeteria and Catering), and Northern Lights Aquatics Centre.
Admission routes include standard application via Apply Alberta (APAS) for Alberta high school graduates, direct application with Northern Lakes College, and a placement test for eligibility. Apprenticeship programs and international student admission are also available.