Portage College

Portage College is a public board-governed community college in Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada. Portage has seven campus locations located throughout northeastern Alberta.HistoryIn 1968, Alberta NewStart was established in Lac La Biche as part of the federal government’s initiative to research basic adult education. NewStart offered instruction in areas as diverse as academic upgrading, trapping, wild fur management, and oifield management. However, after several months the government decided to close the facility and cease the research. A group of Aboriginal students faced with the pending closure of their school decided to challenge the government by staging a sit-in. The group was successful, and the government awarded a grant to continue the NewStart program. The school took on a new name “Pe-Ta-Pun” meaning “New Dawn.”In 1973, the Alberta government took over the program, reopening it as the province’s fifth Alberta Vocational Centre (AVC). From 1973 to 1980 programs and services expanded to include community-based programs. In 1980, the Minister of Advanced Education announced plans to replace AVC’s temporary facilities with a new campus, which was opened in 1985. A Board of Governors was established for the College in 1998 and the following year the Minister of Advanced Education and Career Development approved a change of name to “Portage College.”LocationsThe main campus is located in Lac La Biche, Alberta and regional service centres are located in Cold Lake and St. Paul. Additional campuses are found in Goodfish Lake, Frog Lake, Saddle Lake, and Boyle.