At Northern Lakes College, we count our success one student at a time.
We believe you should get the education you want with the flexibility you deserve.
We have the vision to provide the most accessible educational opportunities, so we are everywhere you need us to be.
Let us inspire your new beginnings and help create your endless possibilities. What’s stopping you?
Northern Lakes College respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 8 territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Districts 13 - 15 and 20 - 22, traditional lands of First Nations and Métis Peoples. We recognize the 15 First Nations and four Métis Settlements located throughout our service region.
Message from the Board Chair and President & CEO
The Northern Lakes College Strategic Plan, Learn Where You Live, establishes the priorities that will shape decision-making, inform planning, and guide the work of the College over the next three years.
As the post-secondary landscape and labour market continue to evolve, Northern Lakes College remains focused on expanding access to education and training. This focus supports learner needs, regional economic development, and the objectives of Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs.
Rooted in community-based education, the College is committed to reaching learners across northern Alberta, regardless of location. Through our Supported Distance Learning model, students can upgrade, reskill, or pursue post-secondary education without leaving home, reducing financial barriers and strengthening communities.
The priorities outlined in Learn Where You Live are guided by the institutional values that support Northern Lakes College’s mission and vision.
Northern Lakes College delivers some of the most accessible programs in Alberta, equipping learners with the education and training needed to contribute to a strong and growing provincial economy.
Barry Sharkawi Board Chair
Dr. Glenn Mitchell President & CEO
MISSION, VISION, VALUES
OUR MISSION
With respect for cultures and the needs of communities, Northern Lakes College provides quality educational programs and services which enable adults to continue their education, to improve their employment opportunities, and to enhance their quality of life.
OUR VISION
Northern Lakes College will be recognized as a first-choice community-based college with the most accessible programs and services in Alberta.
OUR VALUES
To achieve our mission and vision, we share values that guide our practices and behaviors. We value Accessibility, Collaboration, Community, Excellence, Lifelong Learning, and Respect.
Values-based Strategic Direction
The Northern Lakes College strategic direction is values-based and established using our six institutional values as guideposts.
Respect
Adults are entitled to learning services that respect their culture, abilities, and circumstances. Northern Lakes College celebrates diversity and values the celebration of Indigenous history, cultures, and languages.
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is essential to the growth of students, employees, families, communities, and organizations.
Excellence
Learners will participate and succeed through fair, reliable services and relevant, timely, and credible programs.
Accessibility
Students and employees will succeed in their learning, employment, and personal endeavours when provided with accessible and effective educational services and supports.
Collaboration
Working together with community, business, and educational partners is fundamental to the success of our learners and our College.
Community
Students and the College receive support from the community. Community capacity grows from the success of students. Engagement with community stakeholders contributes to increased access, quality, and sustainability.
Shaping the Future Through Education
Zachary Gauchier worked as a line cook for nearly nine years before realizing it was time for a change. Taking a chance, he applied to Northern Lakes College with a simple plan: “I didn’t put pressure on myself, I just thought, maybe if I just apply to college and get accepted, I’ll go to college. If not, then I’ll keep working as a cook.” While the thought process made taking the leap less intense, Zachary committed fully once accepted into the Computer Network Specialist program, and it changed everything.
Zachary Gauchier Computer Network Specialist
Through my education, I can help my Indigenous community members, the Métis people themselves.”
As a mature student and a dedicated father, Zachary knew he needed to focus in order to succeed. He made the decision not to work while studying so he could fully dedicate himself to the program. That commitment, combined with strong support at home and at school, made all the difference. “My better half, Julie, supported me wholeheartedly. Like, 200% support,” he says. “That’s why I was able to do so well, because I had very good support both at home, and through my program instructors.” Northern Lakes College’s online program delivery techniques also played a key role in his success. “I was able to achieve honours in my program because I could go back and rewatch the instructor… I’d watch a video like three times to make sure I really understood the concepts,” he explains.
After graduating in 2023, Zachary quickly moved into the field, working as a field service technician in Indigenous communities. “I was boots on the ground in each Indigenous surrounding community,” he says, installing internet services and gaining handson experience with evolving technologies such as 5G and LTE networks. That experience led him to his current role as IT Director for Peavine Métis Settlement – something he hadn’t originally imagined. “My very first goal was just to get a job as an IT person. I didn’t imagine that my education could take me this far!”
Now, Zachary is focused on using his role to support his community in meaningful ways. As the first IT specialist in his settlement, he is helping shape decisions while exploring bigger questions around data sovereignty. “I realized I could help my Indigenous community members, the Métis people themselves, by sharing my knowledge around these quickly evolving technologies,” he says. His work is already starting important conversations around technological accessibility and data sovereignty, and Zachary has recently created a paper capturing the details about these issues and how they relate to Indigenous community building, a project he updates frequently alongside technological and legal changes and shares freely with others.
“Every time I share (the paper) with another Indigenous member or First Nation, they tell me something like, ‘oh, that’s happening in my community.’ My goal is to open discussions about this issue. I find it very fun, and I find it very rewarding.”
Reflecting on how far he’s come, Zachary is most motivated by the impact his work can have beyond himself. Now in a position to shape the future of technology in his community, he sees opportunity where there were once gaps. “Through my education, I can help my Indigenous community members, the Métis people themselves.”
Expanding Access and Opportunity in Fairview
In Fall 2026, Northern Lakes College will expand its footprint by assuming responsibility for programming in Fairview. This expansion represents a significant opportunity to strengthen access to education and training in northern Alberta. Working in collaboration with the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Fairview Regional College Transition Committee, and in alignment with regional workforce and industry needs, the College will deliver a range of programs in Fairview, including apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship, resource technology, health, dual credit for high school students, numerous online programs, and opportunities for corporate training.
In-person apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and health programs will be delivered on campus in Fairview, and students enrolled in our online Supported Distance Learning programs will be able to access in-person supports and learning resources at the Fairview Campus.
This initiative supports the College’s broader commitment to responsive, community-driven programming and enhances its ability to serve learners, employers, and communities across northern Alberta.
Northern Lakes College’s collaborative approach in Fairview exemplifies rural post-secondary education built on strong partnerships, community leadership, and programming responsive to local and regional needs. This made in the Peace Country solution, supported by Northern Lakes College, ensures postsecondary students in the community can access quality training close to home, supporting workforce development and a strong foundation for northern Alberta’s future.”
— The Honourable Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education
Northern Lakes College is proud to support the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Fairview region in expanding access to transformative learning opportunities. As we assume post-secondary programming of the Fairview Campus, we are inspired by the potential this moment holds — for our students, our communities, and the futures they are building. Together, we will create pathways that empower learners to grow, contribute, and thrive.”
— Dr. Glenn Mitchell, President and CEO
Northern Lakes College and Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs
Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs outlines a shared direction for Alberta’s post-secondary system, calling on institutions to respond to changing labour market demands and support the province’s long-term prosperity. At the centre of the strategy is the development of a skilled workforce that can meet both current and emerging industry needs.
Expanding opportunities for Albertans to gain relevant skills, training, and experience is critical to sustaining economic growth and community well-being. Access to education that supports lifelong learning helps ensure individuals are prepared to adapt and succeed throughout their working lives.
Northern Lakes College views accessibility as fundamental to advancing the goals of Alberta 2030. Our unique Supported Distance Learning model helps to remove geographic barriers, allowing learners to pursue post-secondary education while remaining in their home communities. For many learners, this approach is not simply a convenience, it is what makes participation in post-secondary education possible.
The Alberta 2030 Vision*
Alberta’s world-class post-secondary system will equip Albertans with the skills, knowledge and competencies they need to succeed in their lifelong pursuits.
The system will be highly responsive to labour market needs and, through innovative programming and excellence in research, contribute to the betterment of an innovative and prosperous Alberta.
Ensure all Albertans have access to high quality post-secondary opportunities and that the student experience is coordinated and integrated.
Develop skills for jobs
Ensure every student has the skills, knowledge and competencies to enjoy fulfilling lives and careers and that they have greater transparency around labour market outcomes.
Support innovation and commercialization
Contribute to Alberta’s innovation capacity by supporting post-secondary research and strengthening its commercialization potential to create new knowledge, develop future skills and diversify the economy.
Strengthen internationalization
Become a leading destination for top talent to drive the growth of skills, ideas and innovations locally and globally.
Improve sustainability and affordability
Provide institutions greater flexibility to generate own-source revenue and strengthen student aid.
Strengthen system governance
Modernize governance of the system to increase collaboration and drive outcomes.
LEARN WHERE YOU LIVE
Accessibility Satisfaction 2024-25
94%
Accessibility Satisfaction 2023-24
93%
Accessibility Satisfaction 2022-23
94%
Source: Northern Lakes College Student Satisfaction Survey
Northern Lakes College will expand access to programs and services via Supported Distance Learning.
Key Objectives
1. Advance equitable access to education through Supported Distance Learning, community-based delivery, and flexible learning models designed for rural, remote, and underrepresented learners.
2. Provide accessible, student-centred supports that promote academic success, including learning supports, wellness initiatives, and culturally relevant resources and services.
3. Ensure Foundational Learning opportunities are accessible to all learners as a key pathway to further education and workforce participation.
4. Develop new accessible programs and expand existing offerings to meet evolving economic, workforce, and community needs.
LEARN WHERE YOU LIVE
Friend of Northern Lakes College: G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council
The Friend of Northern Lakes College Award recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond in supporting the College’s mission and contributing to student success.
The 2025-26 Friend of Northern Lakes College Award was presented to the G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council in recognition of its outstanding partnership and commitment to education, community, and culture.
Representing the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the three Stoney Nakoda Nations—Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney—the G4 shares a vision of creating educational opportunities that honour traditional knowledge while supporting academic achievement. Their work helps ensure learners can pursue education while remaining connected to their culture, community, and identity.
During the year, Northern Lakes College partnered with the G4 to deliver the Early Learning and Child Care certificate program. Throughout the partnership, G4 leaders Marc Scholes and Debbie Vance demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, advocating for accessible, high-quality education and providing encouragement and support to learners every step of the way.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering learners and strengthening communities through education. Built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, the relationship has created meaningful opportunities for students and laid the foundation for continued collaboration in the future.
Dr. Glenn Mitchell presents the award to Debbie Vance and Marc Scholes of G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council.
Northern Lakes College will collaborate with CampusAlberta partners, Community Adult Learning Programs, and other organizations to enhance access to programs.
Key Objectives
1. Collaborate with partners to deliver programming aligned with business and industry labour market demand, including different pathways and offerings in various communities.
2. Seek opportunities to offer cohort-based programming to meet community and agency needs.
3. Partner with school divisions to offer Dual Credit opportunities.
4. Suppor t Community Adult Learning Programs (CALPs) by operating approved CALP locations, hosting partner CALPs, and collaborating on program delivery.
5. Deliver industry-specific training through partnerships with sector organizations to support workforce development and skills training.
Northern Lakes College will strengthen community, business, and industry partnerships to ensure programs and services support the labour market.
Key Objectives
1. Engage with community representatives, including Community Education Committees (CECs), to identify local learning needs and expand access to educational programs and training opportunities.
2. Strengthen program quality and labour market relevance through active Program Advisory Committee (PAC) engagement.
3. Provide physical learning spaces in communities across the service region, ensuring access to technology, resources, and in-person support.
LEARN WHERE YOU LIVE
Student Satisfaction
Source: Northern Lakes College Student
Survey
Employment Rate of Program Completers
To
Source:
Northern Lakes College will enhance learner experiences through quality academic programs and services.
Key Objectives
1. I mprove the student experience by providing targeted academic, technological, and accessibility supports that meet the diverse needs of learners.
2. Uphold high academic quality standards through regular program and policy review, ongoing curriculum development and revision, and engagement with accreditation and regulatory bodies.
3. Adapt to the evolving impact of artificial intelligence (AI) through the development, implementation, and ongoing revision of institutional strategies and practices.
4. Provide Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities in all relevant programs.
5. Maintain a culture of operational excellence and financial sustainability through strong governance, integrated systems, responsible technology advancement, and accountability frameworks that produce timely, accurate, and actionable reporting.
6. Suppor t innovation through academic and applied research.
LEARN WHERE YOU LIVE
From Student to Instructor:
How an NLC Alumni is Shaping the Next Generation of Nurses
When Christine McIntyre-Blake enrolled in the Practical Nurse program at Northern Lakes College in 2005, she began a journey her family had long envisioned for her.
“Both my parents and my grandparents always knew that I had this caring persona, and that it needed to be directed some way that was going to benefit other people,” she says. “So, I thought, why not try nursing, right?”
After graduating in 2007, Christine spent more than a decade building experience across acute care, emergency, home care, and community clinic settings. But one of the most meaningful moments in her nursing journey happened much closer to home.
When her grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer, Christine stepped away from work to help care for him during the final stage of his life. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility, she found deep comfort in the education Northern Lakes College had given her.
I want to make a positive impact on
the students.”
“My education helped me immensely. I was able to keep him at home for most of his end of life,” she says. “It helped me so much to take care of him, and I was so happy that I had that education.”
That experience changed the course of her career. After more than 10 years in active nursing, Christine knew she wanted to use both the positive and difficult parts of her experience to better support future nurses.
A position at Northern Lakes College opened at exactly the right time, and Christine stepped into the role of nursing instructor in 2018.
Now in her eighth graduating cohort, she teaches in a blended model that combines online theory, in-person labs, and realworld clinical placements. From medication administration and wound care to helping students navigate their first patient interactions, Christine remains deeply committed to both skill and confidence building.
“I want to make a positive impact on the students,” she says. “I don’t think I’ll ever give up teaching.”
Her own learning journey is still evolving too. While teaching, raising two children, and helping on the family farm, Christine is also completing a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education. Looking ahead, she hopes to complete her bachelor’s within the next year and a half before pursuing a master’s degree in education, all while continuing to teach and contribute to curriculum development.
For Christine, Northern Lakes College didn’t just launch a nursing career. It gave her the knowledge to care for her own family, the experience to guide future nurses, and the inspiration for lifelong learning.
Northern Lakes College will provide opportunities throughout the learning continuum for students, employees, and community members.
Key Objectives
1. O ffer a broad range of learning opportunities, including Foundational Learning programs; post-secondary programs and pathways; and courses, certificates, and professional designations offered through Continuing Education & Corporate Training.
2. Engage with secondary school-aged learners to support successful transitions to post-secondary education and the workforce.
3. Suppor t ongoing, job-relevant professional development for employees.
4. Promote a healthy learning and working environment and provide students and employees with opportunities to engage in mental health and wellness initiatives.
LEARN WHERE YOU LIVE
Northern Lakes College recognizes and respects 15 First Nations and four Métis Settlements across our service region.
Approximately half of Northern Lakes College students identify as Indigenous to Canada.
Strategic Direction Supporting Respect
Northern Lakes College will foster an environment that celebrates culture and supports respectful learning and dialogue.
Key Objectives
1. Foster meaningful engagement with Indigenous cultures and maintain an I ndigenous Advisory Council to guide and support implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action relevant to postsecondary education.
2. Ensure access to Indigenous learning resources, language programming, and culturally relevant curricula.
3. Support oppor tunities for students and employees to engage with and learn about the diverse cultures and perspec tives represented within the College community.
4. Provide international students with support through the application process and their academic journey, enhancing their success and overall experience at the College.
5. Cultivate mutually respectful relationships through clear, consistent, and transparent communication with students and employees across the institution.
