Message from President Neil Fassina
March 2, 2026
Message to OC community:Canada’s post-secondary environment continues to evolve. Declining international enrolment, policy shifts, economic pressures and changes in the labour market are creating challenges for institutions across the country, including Okanagan College.As a public college, we have already made changes in different areas of our organization, and our work to adapt to our current environment is ongoing.Arts and Foundational Programs, and Science and Technology move to a shared portfolioIn the coming months, OC will br...
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Okanagan College welcomes community to 2026 Open House events
March 2, 2026
For many future students, choosing a post-secondary pathway begins with a visit. Okanagan College is inviting future students, families and career changers to take that first step at its 2026 Open House events this spring. Open House events offer guided tours of classrooms, labs, skilled trades shops and student spaces, along with opportunities to meet instructors, advisors and current students. Visitors can explore more than 130 programs and learn about flexible pathways, including upgrading and part-time study options.Event s...
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Red Seal electrician returns to Okanagan College as keynote speaker for women in trades leadership series
March 2, 2026
When Kira Watton first stepped onto a job site, she noticed something right away — she was often the only woman there.Today, the Okanagan College alumna is a Red Seal electrician working on a major project in East Kelowna. Her path into the skilled trades began with uncertainty and grew through determination, mentorship and the support of programs designed to open doors for women.“When I first considered a career in the skilled trades, I didn’t see many women on job sites,” said Watton. “Programs that connect women with mentors and ...
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Hall Family Foundation makes historic $10-million donation to Okanagan College
February 23, 2026
A local family with a long and successful history of entrepreneurship is investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs, through a $10-million donation to Okanagan College. The Hall Family Foundation has announced a transformational financial gift, the largest in OC’s history and the largest ever made to a public college in British Columbia. This extraordinary contribution establishes the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Okanagan College. Ed Hall was the co-founde...
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Okanagan College announced as title sponsor for Touchdown Kelowna
February 23, 2026
Okanagan College is pleased to share the following news release issued today by the BC Lions: The BC Lions and City of Kelowna are excited to announce Okanagan College as the presenting sponsor of Touchdown Kelowna at the Apple Bowl on Saturday, June 27 and Saturday, July 4. As part of the exciting partnership, the Lions will call the campus home between our week four and week five games against the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Elks. “We’re incredibly proud that Okanagan College is the presenting sponsor for BC Lio...
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Camp OC serves up summer fun and learning across the Okanagan
February 23, 2026
Camp OC is back for another summer of learning and fun with creative, hands-on and high-energy camps at Okanagan College campuses across the region. Designed for children and youth in grades 1–12, Camp OC offers week-long day camps and high school credit programs in a safe, supportive environment that families have come to trust.Running from July through August at Okanagan College campuses in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm, Camp OC invites young learners to explore a wide range of interests — from coding to cooking, paint...
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OC's Dean, School of Business, joins Chamber board
February 19, 2026
Okanagan College's Dean of the OC School of Business, Joe Baker, has been elected to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce's 2026-27 Board of Directors. The announcement comes following the conclusion of online voting on Feb. 18."The Chamber has long been a catalyst for economic momentum in Kelowna and I’m proud to contribute at the board level,” said Baker “At the College, we’re focused on strengthening the connection between education and the economy—building programs that respond to student ambition and employer demand. This appointmen...
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“Me7 elkstwécw-kt – We will work in partnership”
February 17, 2026
Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and Okanagan College sign historic House of Learning Partnership Kukpi7s, Elders and community members from the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council held ceremony with Okanagan College on Feb. 4 in Secwepemcúl’ecw – at the College’s Salmon Arm campus – pledging Me7 elkstwécw-kt – to work in partnership – to better future generations.With traditional drumming and smudging taking place, leaders from the two organizations signed a unique House of Learning Partnership Agreement declaring Me7 melkwilc-kt,...
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Gateway to Trades students mark program completion at Okanagan College
February 10, 2026
Students in Okanagan College’s Gateway to Trades program celebrated the completion of their studies during a graduation ceremony held Jan. 23, marking a milestone in their educational journeys.Gateway to Trades is a partnership between Okanagan College and the Central Okanagan School District that introduces students in Grades 10 to 12 to post-secondary education through hands-on training in skilled trades, including carpentry, electrical, automotive and sheet metal. The program is aimed at students who may not otherwise see post-se...
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TogetHER brings business leaders together to drive innovation across the Okanagan
February 9, 2026
Okanagan College and WeBC are launching TogetHER, a new leadership and growth initiative designed to bring self-identifying women business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs together to strengthen innovation and collaboration across the Okanagan.“Okanagan College is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for women in every part of our economy — from skilled trades to innovation and enterprise,” said Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at Okanagan College, Caitlin Hartigan. “TogetHER creates space for women-led b...
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