COLD LAKE - City of Cold Lake council has thrown its support behind Portage College's ambitious plans for two new programs - a kinesiology diploma program and a computer science diploma program. City council was asked by Portage College for a letter of support as it seeks approval from Advanced Education to offer the programs.
Portage College is known for its many campuses spread throughout northeast Alberta in Boyle, Cold Lake, Frog Lake First Nations, Lac La Biche, Saddle Lake Cree Nation, St. Paul, and Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation # 128. The college offers a wide range of training options, including academic upgrading, culinary arts, environmental sciences, business, continuing education, trades and technology, as well as health and wellness options.
At the March 12 City of Cold Lake council meeting, Andrew Serba, the Strategic Initiatives manager with the City of Cold Lake, offered information about the new programs, stating, "Portage College is requesting a letter of support for a kinesiology diploma program that hopes to begin at the college starting next year. The college has seen a significant expansion in its offerings in recent years in hopes to offer kinesiology as graduates can find pathways in many healthcare-related fields."
Regarding the computer science diploma program, Serba noted, "Portage College is seeking to begin a diploma program in Computer Science. About 60 per cent of the students interested in pursuing a computer science diploma at Portage College are around the City of Cold Lake."
He added, "The administration is recommending that the council authorize the letter of support for both programs."
Information provided during the meeting further elaborated on these initiatives, stating the programs could help alleviate labour gaps across the various fields.
Computer Science
The success of previous computer science offerings at the college has led to the development of a Computer Science Diploma program. The City of Cold Lake previously supported a Computer Science Certificate program at Portage College through a letter of support.
With student interest in the program exceeding expectations, Portage College aims to expand the program to offer a Diploma in Computer Science.
Council approved the letter of support for both the kinesiology and computer science programs.
