Portage College leaders met with the Elk Point Town Council on Dec. 8 to share an encouraging update on the expanding range of education and training opportunities available to residents locally, regionally, and online.

The update was delivered by Portage College President and CAO Stephen Price, former president Nancy Broadbent, and Sandie Bishop with the Elk Point Community Adult Learning Program, highlighting both continuity and growth as the college moves forward.

A New President With Strong Regional Connections

Price, who recently assumed the role of president and CAO, brings a background in education, athletics, and northern communities. A former high school teacher and sports coach, he has longstanding ties to the region through competitive sports, and he spent 25 years at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

Much of his work there focused on supporting Indigenous students, an experience he now carries into his role at Portage College, which operates campuses on several First Nations and serves learners across northeastern Alberta.

Price acknowledged that the leadership transition entails responsibility, given Broadbent’s 35-year career with the college. Broadbent retired earlier this month after leading an institution that now serves more than 1,500 students on campus and roughly 1,700 learners online or off campus, including about 150 students in St. Paul.

Portage College also remains a major regional employer, with more than 370 staff across northeastern Alberta, including 25 in St. Paul, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Growing Programs for Local Careers

Council heard that Portage College continues to expand its program offerings to meet workforce and community needs. Current and upcoming programs include addiction counselling, carpentry apprenticeship, and heavy equipment technician apprenticeship training.

Academic pathways are also growing, with Bachelor of Education essentials available to support future teachers, alongside kinesiology and pre-health sciences programs. Continuing education options include safety training and a variety of general interest courses.

Community Adult Learning Right in Elk Point

Bishop shared an overview of Community Adult Learning Program courses offered at the Laverne Wilson Public Library in Elk Point. These programs support residents at all stages of life and include basic computer skills, English reading and writing, math, financial management, GED preparation, literacy for daily living, and assistance with Canadian citizenship preparation.

Flexible Learning and Research Ahead

In addition to in-person options, Portage College offers a wide selection of fully online courses, available in both live and self-paced formats. Applied research projects are underway or seeking funding, and additional initiatives are planned to expand programming further.

The update reinforced Portage College’s focus on accessibility, practical skills, and keeping education close to home while continuing to support the evolving needs of communities across the region.