Slave Lake, Alberta (December 4, 2023): Northern Lakes College is partnering with two Alberta school districts to establish collegiate schools. Fort Vermilion School Division is located in northern Alberta with their central office in Fort Vermilion. Black Gold School Division is headquartered in Nisku.

Collegiate schools offer specialized programming in particular subject areas or fields, and provide students with a clear pathway to post-secondary education and careers in their chosen field. Collegiate schools provide experiential learning opportunities and work experience, as well as dual credit programming and/or bridging opportunities into post-secondary (source: https://www.alberta.ca/collegiate-schools).

Northern Lakes College has a wide reach when it comes to collaborations with high schools. The College has dual credit agreements with 25 school divisions across the province. In 2022-2023, students from 28 high schools across 13 different school divisions enrolled in 12 programs at the College. Power Engineering and Educational Assistant were the College's most popular dual credit programs in 2022-2023.

“At Northern Lakes College, we understand the importance of connecting with students as early as possible in order to ensure they are aware of the post-secondary learning opportunities available to them. With both the dual credit and collegiate school initiatives, Alberta students have many opportunities to engage in college-level learning while they are still in high school. Graduating from high school while having already achieved college credits gives students a head start on their career and entering the workforce, and we are pleased to provide those opportunities.”

Dr. Glenn Mitchell, President & CEO, Northern Lakes College

The Black Gold School Division will be pursuing opportunities for students to participate in trades’ training.

“Black Gold’s strong partnership with Northern Lakes College spans many years. Northern Lakes College works with our school division to provide knowledgeable instructors who work with our students to teach skills and attitudes that provide them with significant advantages as they embark on their careers in the skilled trades.”

Bill Romanchuk, Superintendent of Schools, Black Gold School Division

Fort Vermilion School Division students can pursue careers in health care, education, and trades. Northern Lakes College has a Mobile Trades Lab currently in service in High Level to support the collegiate school dual credit initiative.

“We believe this partnership and the collegiate model will be the single biggest shift that will change the trajectory of students in education; putting purpose and passion back in the students' hands.” 

Mike McMann, Superintendent, Fort Vermilion School Division

To learn more about collegiate schools, see https://www.alberta.ca/collegiate-schools.

For information on dual credit opportunities at Northern Lakes College, see https://www.northernlakescollege.ca/future-students/dual-credit.

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About Northern Lakes College
Northern Lakes College (NLC) provides flexible educational opportunities through innovative delivery. With accessibility as a cornerstone value, we provide 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, so that they can 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.

About Black Gold School Division
Since 1995, the Black Gold School Division (BGSD) has been providing quality education within safe, caring and welcoming environments in the communities of Beaumont, Calmar, Devon, Leduc, Leduc County, New Sarepta, Thorsby and Warburg. As Alberta’s seventh-largest school division, BGSD provides high quality education to approximately 12,894 students in 31 schools, from Early Childhood Services (ECS) to Grade 12. An extensive range of programs, including French Immersion, Christian, Off Campus Education, Dual Credit, extensive Career and Technology Studies (CTS) and Career and Technology Foundation courses (CTF), are offered to students in inclusive learning environments. Students also have access to a continuum of classroom supports and services, including specialized learning environments, early intervention and counselling services, and consultative services. Learn more at www.blackgold.ca.

About Fort Vermilion School Division
Located in the northwestern corner of Alberta and encompassing an area larger than New Brunswick, FVSD serves a culturally diverse region with a young and growing population. In addition to 14 traditional schools a Home Education Centre and Pathways Outreach Program, FVSD also leads the province in dual credit courses and expanding career focused programming with the opening of Building Futures Collegiate School. More information about FVSD can be found on our website at www.fvsd.ab.ca. | Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/LinkedIn: @fvsdeducation 

For additional information contact:

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

Deven Kumar
Communications Advisor, Office of the Superintendent of Schools
Black Gold School Division
Phone: 780-955-4570
deven.kumar@blackgold.ca

Chandra Tincombe 
Public Engagement Coordinator 
Fort Vermilion School Division
Phone: 780-502-2413 
chandrat@fvsd.ab.ca