Drayton Valley, Alberta (November 17, 2020): The Town of Drayton Valley is pleased to announce a new education partnership with Northern Lakes College. With a successful history in delivering relevant, high-quality learning opportunities through its unique Supported Distance Learning model, Northern Lakes College brings 50 years of expertise to support the distance education needs in Drayton Valley and the surrounding area. Starting in January 2021, Northern Lakes College will be offering services to Drayton Valley. Students can study from home or work, or access their courses at the Drayton Valley Clean Energy Technology Centre (CETC). 

Northern Lakes College is a natural fit for Drayton Valley as it has a proven education model that caters to the unique education needs and challenges of rural Alberta communities. With 24 locations in rural communities throughout northern Alberta, the addition of this 25^th location speaks to the College’s ability to effectively meet learning needs in rural communities. Northern Lakes College provides a broad range of programming, including Academic Upgrading, Apprenticeship and Pre-Employment Trades, Business and Administrative Studies, Health Careers, Human Service Careers, Resource Technology and University Studies. Many programs available through Northern Lakes College offer dual credit opportunities, allowing high school students to receive credit for college-level courses while still in high school. 

“This is an exciting moment for the advancement of post-secondary education in Drayton Valley,” commented Mayor Michael Doerksen. “Increasing accessibility to education, especially in rural communities is more important than ever. During these tough economic times, students experiencing barriers to education, including location, has grown in the last few years. Northern Lakes College coming into Drayton Valley provides a ray of hope to many students and families who are looking to further their education or reskill themselves amid a changing economy. This provides some much-needed hope in Drayton Valley and our surrounding communities.”

“Northern Lakes College is thrilled with the opportunity to provide post-secondary programming to the community of Drayton Valley. We are committed to providing accessible and community-based learning opportunities and to finding collaborative ways to support the provincial goal of increased engagement in the post-secondary sector. We thank our Campus Alberta partner, NorQuest College, for its support of the partnership and for welcoming NLC into its service region,” commented President & CEO, Glenn Mitchell.

Commented NorQuest President & CEO, Carolyn Campbell, “It has been our pleasure to serve the Drayton Valley region, and we are confident that Northern Lakes College is the right partner to continue providing access to high quality education for the community and region.”

Enhancing access to post-secondary education in rural Alberta is a common goal shared by both the Town of Drayton Valley and Northern Lakes College. With accessibility as a cornerstone value, Northern Lakes College provides flexible and quality educational programs and services. NLC’s innovative Supported Distance Learning (SDL) and Supported Distance Teaching (SDT) models include unique online delivery options such as NLC LIVE Online™ and NLC Anytime, Anywhere. SDL provides learners with the flexibility to balance work, home, and education.

To browse Northern Lakes College programs, visit www.northernlakescollege.ca. Those interested in programming for January are encouraged to apply soon. Contact Northern Lakes College at 1-866-652-3456 or click here to send a message.

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About the Town of Drayton Valley

The Town of Drayton Valley is a dynamic community with a vibrant and active population focused on family and opportunities that provide stability to a changing economy.  Drayton Valley is looking to become a leader in providing high quality education, training and skills development for its residents.  Recognizing that education is a key element in overcoming barriers and increasing employability, the Town has made a commitment to investing in education in the community that will serve the broader region.

For additional information contact:

Jennifer Stone
Intergovernmental Relations & Communications
Town of Drayton Valley
780-514-2247 or jstone@draytonvalley.ca

About Northern Lakes College

A distance learning college, Northern Lakes College provides the most accessible and flexible educational opportunities through innovative delivery. Utilizing its unique Supported Distance Learning (SDL) model, NLC assists 5,000 students annually to continue their education, improve their employment opportunities, and enhance their quality of life. Committed to its communities in northern Alberta and to its students, wherever they may be, NLC collaborates with business, industry, and other post-secondary institutions to benefit students and communities. Explore at www.northernlakescollege.ca.

For additional information contact:

Rachel Ouellette
Director, External Relations, Marketing & Communication
Office of the President
Northern Lakes College 
news@northernlakescollege.ca