Portage College’s Public Legal Education Program receives a $590,216 grant from the Alberta Law Foundation to expand legal awareness and support for rural and Indigenous communities.
Portage College commemorates Métis Week with events honouring Métis culture, history, and the legacy of Louis Riel.
Portage College and Lac La Biche County celebrate a decade of Gym Jam, a free monthly program fostering family fun, community connections, and active play.
Portage College will hold a Treaty 6 flag-raising ceremony at the St. Paul Campus to honour its commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous partnerships.
Portage College announced its partnership with Riipen to launch the Level UP program, which enhances student employability through paid, project-based learning experiences. This initiative connects students with diverse employers for short-term, remote projects while being able to apply academic knowledge in real-world contexts. Each project, totaling 60 hours, offers students the chance to complete up to three projects, earning a stipend of $1,400 each. Funded by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) Initiatives program, Level UP aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, fostering critical skills for career readiness. Both Portage College and Riipen anticipate significant benefits for students and employers, promoting professional growth and community development.
Portage College has launched a cutting-edge ambulance simulator at its Lac La Biche campus, enhancing the training experience for paramedic students. One of only five in Canada, this state-of-the-art simulator allows students to practice emergency response scenarios in a controlled, immersive environment, including drills in extreme weather conditions. The simulator, which mimics real-life driving conditions using hydraulic movements, provides invaluable hands-on experience before field placements. This unique tool supports the College’s commitment to excellence in its paramedic programs, equipping students with the skills needed for safe and effective patient care.
Portage College announces a new Addiction Counselling program funded by the Government of Alberta, enhancing its educational offerings and addressing crucial healthcare needs.
Portage College is proud to announce a new partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces to enhance educational opportunities for military personnel. This collaboration will provide veterans access to specialized programs designed to meet their unique training needs. While highlighting a commitment to supporting the professional development of military personnel it is also a significant step forward in delivering high-quality education and training to those who serve our country.
The Sacred Turtle Woman Healing Center (STWHC) and Portage College are partnering to enhance addiction and mental health support services while providing unique educational opportunities for students. This collaboration offers hands-on work placements for Portage College's human services students, integrating academic learning with real-world experience. The partnership will also develop tailored education plans and post-treatment programs, improving client care and graduate employability.
Portage College has secured increased CALP funding of $607,446 annually from June 2024 to June 2027. Additionally, $20,000 from the Peter Gzowski Foundation will support adult reading instruction, and $90,000 from the St. Paul/Elk Point Economic Development Alliance will enhance newcomer support services. These funds will improve literacy, digital skills, and support services for adult learners.
The annual golf tournament hosted by Pembina Pipeline Corporation raised an impressive $23,400 for the Portage College Scholarship Endowment.
The City of Cold Lake has purchased a hangar at the Cold Lake regional airport, with the intention of turning it into an instructional space for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School.
Exciting news! Portage College is thrilled to introduce a new Pre-Apprenticeship program tailored for aspiring Heavy Equipment Technicians.
Flowserve has donated a control valve to the Power Engineering program, giving students the advantage of managing steam flow with this modern piece of equipment.
The $198K grant will enable Portage College to effectively plan and determine the necessary design, operational, and support features for delivering programs in the future.
A two-year study by Portage College and Northern Lakes College unveils a gap in the availability and training of social workers across senior care settings in Alberta. The study's recommendations emphasize the urgent need for action to prioritize social and emotional care in rural areas and advocate for enhanced social work education tailored to address these disparities.
Effective today, Portage College students and graduates will now have 24/7 direct access to transcripts via the MyCreds™ platform
Portage College is delighted to announce two significant contributions to our student food bank. Our valued partners, the Lac La Biche Rotary Club and Canadian Natural, have generously donated $1,500 and $2,000, respectively.
The City of Cold Lake is partnering with Portage College to purchase an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) curriculum in a step towards opening an AME school in the city.
Portage College will offer micro-credential training programs to City staff and officials under the terms of the agreement. From March 1, 2024, and running until February 28, 2027, participants will be eligible to enroll in one complimentary course annually.
Portage College, in collaboration with Canadian Natural Resources Limited (Canadian Natural), is set to unveil a poignant display as part of its Truth and Reconciliation Project of Heart initiative. The unveiling event will take place at the St. Paul Campus on April 9th at 1:00 PM.
Experience the profound impact of international travel on education through Portage College's Global Skills Opportunities (GSO) grant. Explore beyond geographical boundaries, fostering cultural understanding and global connections. Join us in realizing the transformative potential outlined in the International Education Strategy 2019-2024 by the Government of Canada.
New agreement between College and County part of continual efforts to attract new residents and investment
Portage College proudly hosted its 20th Annual Round Dance on March 7 at the Lac La Biche campus. This year's event, attended by 500 school children from the region, marked a significant milestone in the college's commitment to promoting Indigenous culture and education.
Portage College, renowned for its commitment to accessible education, will offer micro-credential training programs to Village staff and officials under the terms of the agreement.
Portage College to host 2024 ACAC Men's and Women's Futsal Championship March 8-10 at the Bold Center in Lac La Biche, AB.
Ten outstanding Métis students were recognized for their hard work and dedication to their studies. Each recipient was honoured with a prestigious Métis sash, along with a monetary scholarship of $3,000.
One free Portage College micro-credential course to Town of Bonnyville employees and elected officials commencing January 2024.
Many students in the Portage College region are experiencing the benefits of Government of Alberta grant and finding exciting new employment opportunities upon completion of the Class 3 training program.
ACAC announces a six-game series from January 12-31, 2024, for the Korea University Men's Hockey Exhibition Tour in Lac La Biche.
Portage College secures $82.5K funding for consecutive summers under Alberta Innovates. Exclusive to health programs, it seeks students and supervisors for applied research in digital health.
Portage College welcomes new futsal/soccer coach to the Voyageur family starting in 2024.
Portage announces the launch of the Internationally Educated Nurse Bridging Expansion Program, where a variety of Registered Nurse (RN) Preparation Courses are offered for both domestic and internationally educated nurses.
Inclusion Alberta is committed to being a welcoming, inclusive, diverse, respectful, and equitable workplace.
Portage College announces program name change, NAWTA accreditation renewal, and the new fungarium for the Environmental Technologist Diploma program.
The Government of Alberta invested $2.1 million in Portage College with paramedicine seats, support for apprenticeship programs and modernized classrooms.
It was a significant day in the history of Portage College and the Students' Association of Portage College. An MOU has been in the making for several years, and the signing is a commitment to collaboration and cooperation between the college administration and the student body.
Hudson’s on Whyte Ave in Edmonton recently hired David as a prep cook through the Rotary Employment Partnership.
Recognizing the importance of safety training and education in the trucking industry, B&R Eckels Transport Ltd. readily agreed to contribute to the betterment of the Class 1 MELT program.
Portage College is excited to announce that its Practical Nursing (PN) program has been granted approval for subsidized education through the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Accreditation, Certification, and Equivalency program.
Portage College has launched the Computer Programming and Information Technology (IT) Certificate program
Benson's exceptional leadership since 2017 has paved the way for his continued guidance in this role. His reappointment, effective July 22, 2023, signifies a strong vote of confidence in his ability to provide crucial oversight and support the college's growth trajectory.
Join us on June 2, 2023, for Portage College's first-ever combined in-person and virtual Convocation Ceremony. Celebrate the achievements of our graduating students and honour their hard work. Experience morning and afternoon convocation ceremonies, awards, honour ceremony, and a pinning ceremony. Visit the convocation webpage for streaming details and schedule. Don't miss this momentous event as we empower students to make a difference.
Cole Rawson knew from a fairly early age that he wanted to work in the trades and technology sector. After researching his options, Rawson chose Portage College’s Power Engineering program at the Lac La Biche campus over programs in larger centres, since it was close to home and offered small class sizes.
Portage College is proud to announce its continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities for high school students through its Dual Credit Programs. Dual Credit Programs offer high school students the chance to earn high school and college credits simultaneously, providing a head start on post-secondary education.
Medicine Hat College and Portage College partner to offer the one-year pre-apprenticeship welding program which provides learners everything they need to enroll as a welding apprentice.
Portage College's 3rd Class Power Engineering students achieved a 100% pass rate on their first ABSA exam in March, a regulatory body that certifies power engineers in Alberta. This is due to the hard work of students and dedication of instructors. Congrats to all!
Portage College's Paramedicine Program in Alberta, Canada has received $875,000 in funding from the Alberta Government to expand the program and increase enrollment by 24 extra seats for students in the first year. This initiative is part of the province's investment in post-secondary education and will help to train highly skilled paramedics to meet the demand in rural communities in Northern Alberta.
Cold Lake, Lac La Biche – Portage College announces the successful completion of several projects that have raised a total of an estimated $6,000 for the local communities.
Portage College held its annual Athletic Awards Night, where the college community gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its student-athletes. The evening was full of excitement, glamour, and fanfare, as athletes from various sports were recognized for their exceptional performances both on and off the field.
Team Superman from Portage College emerged victorious at the Alberta Deans of Business CASE competition, taking home the Bronze medal. The competition, held at Bow Valley College, saw 12 colleges and universities from across Alberta compete for top honors.
Government of Alberta grant will increase access to Class 3 Driver Training across the region served by Portage College. The grant will support the Class 3 Driving to Work program which is geared to produce industry and employment-ready graduates by providing wrap-around supports.
For the first time, the College welcomed 400 school children from the region to participate in the popular annual gathering. The event was a resounding success, providing an opportunity for attendees to learn about First Nation culture and ceremony, as well as to celebrate the contributions of two long-standing members of the College community.
The event was a celebration of Métis culture and academic excellence, with scholarships being awarded to seven students.
Portage College Voyageurs’ Head Coach Kevin McClelland, a former NHL player, emphasizes the importance of creating a positive environment for young athletes to flourish both in their hockey and educational careers. He has helped young players develop their skills and achieve their dreams of playing at the next level.
March 3, 2023 will be Hall of Fame night at Portage College featuring Hockey Hall of Famers Kevin Lowe and Doug Gilmour and two new inductees into the Lac La Biche County Sports Hall of Fame, Ken Scullion and Randy Wowk.
Portage College has made funds available to support prospective students from the Ukraine who have fled their home country for the safety of Canada.
The first-ever Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Training course for construction trades in Canada for a step towards adoption of alternative building materials.
Pipeline to success: Pembina Pipeline Golf Tournament raises more than $10,000 for Portage College endowment leading up to Student Scholarship Fundraising Dinner.
In June of this year Portage College’s 2nd year cohort of advanced care paramedics embarked on a valuable new mass casualty exercise, the first of its kind at a post-secondary institution in Alberta.
In the 2021/22 academic year the Portage College Paramedicine team evaluated their on-site labs and identified the need to give students a more realistic experience that allowed clear expectations for their roles.
Portage College partners with Elk Island to offer ECDE 100
Portage College, the University of Calgary (UCalgary) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) are partnering to welcome the first class of Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students in January 2023 who will begin their voyage towards a UCalgary Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree out of Portage College, Cold Lake Campus.
Over $420K in Government Funding to help Portage and Medicine Hat College Pilot new Training Model for Alberta Trades
To reflect Portage's commitment to truth and reconciliation, Portage will host the second annual Sunrise Ceremony in St. Paul and has also launched a new website area dedicated to Indigenous teachings and resources.
ACAC exhibition hockey games scheduled for Frog Lake First Nations on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 are much more than just hockey games. They are to encourage youth to dream big.
The St. Paul Canadiens Alumni Foundation, STEP and Portage signed a MOU committing to promote healthy communities through sports, education, community and economic development.
Two Lac La Biche families had a chance to enjoy some one-on-one welding training at Portage College earlier this month after winning a live auction bid at the Lac La Biche County Agriculture Appreciation Dinner on June 29.
In an industry dominated by males, students in Portage College's Culinary Arts program appreciate learning from three women who are not only Red Seal Chefs but have had incredible success in their trade.
Valued at more than $76,000, the donation is from Dr. Michael Mucz, a retired professor of biology at the University of Alberta’s Augustana campus in Camrose, Alta.
EMR, PCP and ACP programs granted the highest accreditation and given Full approval statuses, by the Alberta College of Paramedics.
The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation announces awards totaling $110,000 to the 11 recipients of its 2022 Emerging Artist Award.
Portage College to provide Advanced Credit to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces, based on their military training and experience.
Supportive Care Assistant program provides much-needed bridge into the Health Care system that is much needed in the province.
Faculty member, Colleen Neily comments, “They learn about themselves, their uniqueness, their creativity, what their specialty is going to be and we get to see them grow for two years and then we get to send them off and say, ‘You’re ready, go to industry. Congratulations!’”
Portage College is increasing its program offerings this fall thanks to new funding from the provincial government.
The donated funds will help cover the costs of Project of Heart materials, training, facilitation and the installation of legacy art projects within the Portage College service region and at its campuses.
More than $4,500 was achieved for various human service agencies through projects organized by students as a part of their Community Development course.
Business students compete in the 2022 Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition.
March 24 marks the important role whistleblowers play in strengthening the integrity of public institutions.
Named Waniskah ᐊᐧᓂᐢᑲᐦ, the room will serve as a concrete and spiritual centerpiece for our students, staff and community.
Voyageurs will compete in the 2022 ACAC Futsal Championships March 26-27 at The King’s University in Edmonton.
Thanks to proceeds from a golf tournament held in Lac La Biche last summer, seven new Medical Infusion Pumps were purchased for students to use in the college’s Paramedicine and Practical Nurse programs.
Operating budget will be cut again, but senior administrators are confident the College can weather the storm.
Partnership will provide local access to a four-year Bachelor Degree in the field of Education in the Northeast Region of Alberta.
Five new pathways to earn a degree at Portage College
Funded by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program
Classes resume January 4 with modifications for delivery.
Voyageurs break records and bring home the hardware at year-end championship
Level 1 Community Peace Officers program is the first of its kind to be offered at Portage College and graduation is fast approaching.
Over $1,600 raised at two golf tournaments on same weekend in September.
The Stone Soup Food Centre will provide the community with access to food, skills, and connection to others.
6 workshops over 6 weeks to provide business training to the Goodfish Lake Business Corporation located on Whitefish Lake First Nation #128. Training tailored by Portage College Business faculty to focus on key objectives and goals for the group and to include experiential training with their current roles.
Culinary Arts students and instructors will cook 300 servings of spaghetti to boost the spirits of those working through a surging fourth pandemic wave in St. Paul Alberta.
Ensuring our students have the academic and employment skills to enter the welding trade
Students and staff from the Community Social Work program volunteered 25 hours to place signs for 10-kilometer bike route and 5-kilometer walk for Ride for Refuge fundraiser in Cold Lake.
Students can receive their B.Ed. from the U of A Aboriginal Teacher Education Program at Portage College
Portage College implemented a policy Wednesday that will require employees, students and visitors to be fully vaccinated by November 30.
An opportunity to bring all new and returning staff and faculty together to let them know that they are valued members of the Portage family.
We encourage people to take part in the many resources provided on the College’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webpage as well as our personalized events.
Online PD training is designed to develop and enhance literacy and numeracy instructional skills.
Portage and Vivo Team win silver in the 2021 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards in the Best Team Development Program category.
Micro-credentials added to Portage College's list of offerings
A collaboration between Northern Lakes College and Portage College is increasing accessibility to a broader range of business and hospitality programming.
Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation announced that artist Faye HeavyShield, writer and filmmaker Cheryl Foggo, and dance choreographer Vicki Adams Willis, have been selected to receive the 2021 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award.
Art exhibition at the Stuart MacPherson Public Library includes 60 artworks created in various art media that reflect a time during the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic.
Portage College and Yorkville University today announced an agreement that provides a new pathway for Portage’s arts graduates to parlay their studies into a degree from Yorkville.
The Covid-19 pandemic could have been disastrous for students of the Welding program at Portage College. But instructors adjusted by starting the program online and then safe, socially-distanced instruction in the welding lab three days a week.
Portage College is excited to launch the first Barber Certificate program in the province. The program will begin offering classes this fall in Lac La Biche. Applications are now being accepted.
Paramedic Services Week in Alberta
Strategy released by the Ministry of Advanced Education on Thursday supports the work already being done by the province’s 11 Comprehensive Community Colleges.
Adjustments to operations announced after budget reductions
As building costs rise, College is $134,000 away from fundraising goal
First time in the Awards’ history to celebrate both the 2021 Distinguished Artists and the new 2022 Emerging Artists.
Tuition free program to provide immediate support in long-term care facilities.
What is something we can do in partnership with an agency to benefit the community?
Alberta's colleges are an ingrained part of our communities teaching skills to enter the workforce.
Portage College is planning to be back on campus as much as possible in Fall 2021.
A Program Resource Guide to Support Indigenous Family Literacy
Portage College Business students went up against 13 Alberta post-secondaries in a competition with the province's top young business minds.
Portage partnering with Conestoga College and Government of Canada to offer tuition-free programming aimed at developing tradespeople.
14 teams go head-to-head to win the annual competition.
PCAA teams up to raise funds for Indigenous Cultural Space
A great opportunity to educate the youth and our communities on Indigenous spiritual and cultural events
Alaxo establishing operations in Portage College St. Paul campus to support its North American growth.
Students have adapted well to a new strand of learning.
Campus Alberta Grant cut by 4.2%. Funding for mental health and students with disabilities maintained and apprenticeship grant increased by 3.2%.
Send in your submissions by February 26, 2021
Program awarded four-year accreditation renewal with a 10 out of 10 score on critical indicators.
Canadian Natural’s generous donation will help many more students through these trying times.
Portage College is collaborating with Cenovus Energy Inc. and six Indigenous communities to support Cenovus’s Indigenous Housing Initiative with the 24-week Construction and Trades Readiness Program
Expands our opportunity to tell the story of the Inuit Art in Canada
A surge in Covid-19 cases in Alberta has caused the majority of ACAC member institutions to extend on-line academic program delivery into the winter 2021 semester in the interests of protecting the health and safety of students and the broader community.
The kiddos are so pumped…“Look Ms. Densmore learned new words!”
Preliminary steps to explore expansion from traditional post-secondary sport competition into the growing world of eSports.
WBF and Portage partner to offer Driver and Operator program in Cold Lake
Early childhood educator at Gregoire Lake Aboriginal Head Start as well as Portage College graduate, was among the recipients of the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Small business is big in Lac La Biche. In fact, small businesses are the backbone of our economy.
Findings reinforce that Alberta’s colleges are ideally positioned to work with key partners to address economic development challenges across the province.
Celebrating Alberta’s forests and foresters
The 2020 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence in Awards for Learning and Development, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Talent Acquisition, Workforce Management and HR, Sales Performance and Corporate Initiatives.
Indigenous Smudging and Cultural Awareness Venue
Congratulations to our CALP teams!
Taking a full-year off due to COVID-19
Economic Recovery Task Force has released its 15 initial recommendations
A review of the free Introductory Cree Language course this spring
ACAC Fall 2020 sport season of play is cancelled.
Over 305 people participated in Portage’s first ever virtual convocation.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person classes and derailed many practicums, Lakeland College was pleased to share its virtual practicum simulations with Portage College students.
Best interest of serving students to have a predictable plan.
Alberta’s colleges uniquely positioned to be leaders in the province’s economic recovery from COVID-19 pandemic.
Students are giving high marks for how Portage handled the sudden transition to online education this spring
Along with supporting essential fire fighters, the student housing will be made available for healthcare workers.
Online training that was traditionally offered face-to-face
When our communities need us, we are there.
Alberta’s 11 Comprehensive Community College’s to assist the work of local, provincial and federal governments, and industry.
Alberta’s colleges have played a vital role in ensuring the success of their students, even in the face of exceptional circumstances.
Hairstyling Program moves to online with great results
Frog Lake committed to fund the purchase of laptops for those students in post-secondary
The usual face-to-face delivery has required the program to adapt
Portage College will host a Virtual Open House on Wednesday, May 20th with sessions in both the afternoon and evening.
Students to send current mailing address to receive care package in mail
Brenda poised to receive her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration through the College
Support for your mental health any time, day or night!
A letter to students to offer encouragement.
Portage College is now an online bill payee
Three ventilator units ready should they be needed in the battle against COVID-19.
Andrea is now the in-house caterer for the Portage Market located in the St. Paul Campus
Prestigious Alberta arts showcase will have natural, cultural theme
Lac La Biche County and Portage College are co-hosting the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards in June of 2021.
The Portage College Voyageurs Men's and Women's Soccer program is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kika Mukuninwa as Head Coach.
Free BBQ and Free Admission courtesy of Your Independent Grocer
Four-time Stanley Cup champion Kevin McClelland will serve as Associate Coach of the Portage College Men’s Hockey team
In addition to playing hockey, golf, curling and soccer, our student athletes volunteered hundreds of hours in their communities, and posted some truly outstanding results in their academic programs.
Alberta post-secondary institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding supporting Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reservists who are college employees or students
Portage one of two institutions to receive funding to help students with developmental disabilities.
Portage College kicked off our 50th anniversary celebrations in style January 5-6 with the Voyageurs Men’s Hockey Team Parents Weekend Event.
The Government of Alberta (GOA) has continued to show their support for its post-secondary education with a 2% increase to the College’s Campus Alberta Base Operating Grant and an additional $1 Million to its campus Infrastructure Needs Assessment.
Business Admin students gained hands-on experience through partnership with the Rural Alberta Business Centre
Congrats Marwan!
Jaime Davies assumed the role as Corporate Marketing Team Lead.
Portage College’s YouTube video featuring late Métis Elder Elsie Quintal has topped 100,000 views two years after it was first posted on the site.
Welcome back second semester pancake breakfast
The second half of the season is underway in Lac La Biche
Feeling a bit sleepy? Don't worry we've got you covered
Students from the Lac La Biche campus raised $3,370 for the Out of the Elements Men's Homeless Shelter.