Portage College is a publicly governed college operating under the Alberta Post-secondary Learning Act, serving northern Alberta since 1968.
Portage College is board governed and operates publicly under the Alberta Post-secondary Learning Act. The college's vision is that learners are empowered to transform and make a difference. Its mission is connecting people with knowledge, skills and opportunities. Collaboration, inclusion, success and accountability are listed as its values.
Alberta NewStart was established in Lac La Biche in 1968 as part of the federal government's initiative to research basic adult education. In 1973, the Alberta government took over the program and reopened it as the province's fifth Alberta Vocational Centre (AVC). A Board of Governors was established for the college in 1998, and the college was renamed Portage College in 1999.
Portage College offers over forty certificate and diploma programs. A Research Ethics Board, made up of faculty and staff, supports, approves and reviews research at the college. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada awarded a project $188,010 in an ongoing research partnership between Portage College and the Town of Fox Creek.
The college has seven campus locations across northern Alberta. Campuses or learning locations are in Boyle, Cold Lake, Frog Lake, Lac La Biche, Saddle Lake, St. Paul and Whitefish Lake. Facilities listed include residence halls, townhouses, family housing, a library, Portage Pool, campus parking and campus security.
Applicants can apply through ApplyAlberta as Canadian students, or use a paper application by mail or in person. Admission options include a placement test based on program requirements, part-time course registration, and a separate international student admission route.