From the President's Desk: March 2026

Stewardship in action: The Lakeland Way

• The Highway 16 initiative: Connecting students to opportunity: One of the most impactful examples of Lakeland’s stewardship approach is the Highway 16 initiative, which strengthens connections between secondary schools and post-secondary education across communities along the Highway 16 corridor. Through this initiative, Lakeland collaborates with school divisions and local high schools to create clear pathways for students through dual credit opportunities, career and technology studies programming, and other pathway initiatives. These partnerships allow students to explore career options and gain exposure to post-secondary learning while still completing their secondary education. Dual credit programming allows students to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their post-secondary journey and helping them make informed decisions about their future. For many rural students, these opportunities help open doors to education and careers that may otherwise feel out of reach. By working closely with educators and school leaders throughout the region, Lakeland helps students discover the possibilities available to them and begin building connections to their future careers earlier in their education.
   
• Building strong community and industry relationships: Stewardship at Lakeland also includes building strong relationships with industry, community partners, and regional organizations. Through ongoing engagement with businesses, municipalities, and community leaders, the college shares information about its programs and initiatives while strengthening connections that benefit both students and the region. These relationships often lead to valuable opportunities for students, including practicum placements, applied learning experiences, research collaborations, and employment opportunities after graduation. They also help ensure Lakeland’s programs remain connected to evolving workforce needs. Lakeland works alongside organizations such as the Alberta Rural Development Network, the Vermilion Regional Alliance and Startup Lloydminster, as well as municipalities throughout the region. These partnerships strengthen collaboration and help support economic and community development across northeastern Alberta.
   
• Engaging with the region: An important part of Lakeland’s stewardship approach is maintaining strong connections with regional partners. Through ongoing conversations and collaboration with municipalities, school divisions, industry leaders, and community organizations, the college continues to build relationships that support learner pathways and regional growth. These connections help ensure Lakeland remains engaged with the communities it serves while continuing to share opportunities that support education, training, and workforce development.
   
• Preparing learners for Alberta’s future: Lakeland’s stewardship approach aligns closely with the priorities of the Alberta Ministry of Advanced Education, which emphasize workforce readiness, regional economic development, and strong collaboration between post-secondary institutions and the communities they serve. Through our commitment to learner success, applied learning, and strong community connections, Lakeland continues to demonstrate how a regional college can make a meaningful impact across the province.

Stewardship at Lakeland means working together with our partners to create opportunities for students and strengthen the communities we serve. By building strong pathways and relationships across the region, we help ensure our learners are prepared to succeed and contribute to Alberta’s future.

Through The Lakeland Way, Lakeland continues to demonstrate how stewardship can take many forms—from strengthening education pathways for students to supporting collaboration and growth across the region.

Until next time,
Alice