College of the Rockies

College of the Rockies Think. Do. Become. Located in the Rocky Mountains of BC, we offer 60+ programs & hundreds of courses. Our Main Campus and Gold Creek Campus are in Cranbrook.

We also have regional campuses in Creston, Fernie, Golden, Invermere and Kimberley, which offer unique programs and courses. Smaller class sizes, personalized instruction, up-to-date technology, great support services and professional, friendly staff who are dedicated to student success make the College of the Rockies the best place to live, learn and play!

Outdoor recreation shapes lives, strengthens communities, and contributes significantly to the vitality of our region.At...
09/08/2026

Outdoor recreation shapes lives, strengthens communities, and contributes significantly to the vitality of our region.

At College of the Rockies, we're proud to support the next generation of outdoor leaders and professionals through hands-on learning experiences that connect students with the landscapes and industries that make the Kootenays unique.

That's why we're excited to be a sponsor of the 2026 KORE Summit!

Stop by to meet faculty and students from our Mountain Adventure Skills Training (MAST) and Adventure Tourism Business Operations (ATBO) programs, who will be offering hands-on demonstrations and sharing how they're preparing learners for careers in the outdoor sector.

See you at the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise Initiative - KORE Summit September 17 and 18 in Kimberley!

Our campuses will be closed on Monday, September 7th for Labour Day. We can't wait to welcome students back on September...
09/04/2026

Our campuses will be closed on Monday, September 7th for Labour Day.

We can't wait to welcome students back on September 8th for our annual Fall Welcome Day! Students can find more information in COTR student email inboxes!

“My coworkers, instructors, mentors, friends, and family all played a role. Having people who encouraged me, challenged ...
08/31/2026

“My coworkers, instructors, mentors, friends, and family all played a role. Having people who encouraged me, challenged me, and reminded me why I started made all the difference.”

At 25, Sunshine Capilo-Joseph is already making a lasting impact in her community, and she is just getting started.

A proud Ktunaxa woman, Sunshine has spent the past six and a half years at Aqamnik School as an Education Assistant. What began as a job quickly became something much deeper.

“My connection to my community means everything to me,” she says. “Aqamnik has become so much more than a workplace. The staff are like family, and the relationships I have built with students and families mean so much to me.”
For Sunshine, becoming a teacher has always felt like a natural path.

“When I was younger, I was constantly playing school, with my dolls and stuffed animals as my students,” she said. “As I got older and worked in education, that feeling only grew stronger. Being an Education Assistant confirmed that this is exactly where I am meant to be.”

After several years supporting students in the classroom, Sunshine chose to build on that hands-on experience by enrolling in the Education Assistant program. The program allowed her to formally develop the skills she had been using every day, while preparing for her long-term goal of becoming a teacher.

Now, Sunshine is preparing for the next step in her journey. She has been accepted into the Indigenous Teacher Education Program at University of British Columbia.

Sunshine’s story is one of resilience, growth, and courage, and she hopes it encourages others who are unsure about taking the next step.

“I was not ready either, and I still went for it,” she says. “If you keep waiting until you are completely ready, it may never happen. Sometimes you just have to take the leap and trust yourself.”

Join us in welcoming Dr. Meagan LaRiviere who has joined the College as Dean of Health and Human Services, bringing exte...
08/24/2026

Join us in welcoming Dr. Meagan LaRiviere who has joined the College as Dean of Health and Human Services, bringing extensive leadership experience in health education, academic quality, innovation, and student success.

Dr. LaRiviere began her career as a registered nurse, gaining clinical experience in neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care settings before expanding her expertise into diagnostic medical sonography. Over time, her career evolved from clinical practice and teaching to leadership roles focused on clinical simulation, nursing regulation, research, innovation, and post-secondary program quality.

Prior to joining COTR, she served as Associate Dean and Associate Professor at the University of Calgary’s campus in Qatar, where she helped lead a Canadian Bachelor of Nursing program in an intercultural setting. In that role, she oversaw academic quality and accreditation, curriculum evaluation, strategic planning, and faculty development. More recently, she served as Vice Dean of Health Studies at NorQuest College in Edmonton, providing leadership across a diverse portfolio with a focus on program quality and innovation, enrolment management, fund development, community partnerships, and student success.

"I am excited to join College of the Rockies and become part of such a vibrant learning community," said Dr. LaRiviere. "Health education is fundamentally about people, and I look forward to working alongside students, faculty, staff, and community partners to create learning opportunities that contribute to the health and well-being of the region.”

Dr. LaRiviere holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Research and Post-Secondary Leadership from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts in Learning and Technology from Royal Roads University. Her research and scholarly interests include continuing competence, health professions education, simulation, intercultural learning, curriculum quality, and the relationship between education, professional practice, and community impact.

there’s something you want to achieve, even with obstacles, you can get there in your own time and in your own way,”Laur...
08/24/2026

there’s something you want to achieve, even with obstacles, you can get there in your own time and in your own way,”

Lauren began the EA program in fall 2024 excited to return to learning and explore a new career supporting students. She quickly discovered a passion for the work, but her studies were unexpectedly interrupted by a life-changing health challenge.

After being diagnosed with epilepsy and post-concussion syndrome, Lauren faced significant setbacks, everything from memory loss to an inability to use screens for extended periods.

Despite these challenges, Lauren was determined to keep going.

With the support of her instructors, Accessibility Services, counsellors, family, and friends, she completed her coursework step by step, returning after a medically induced coma caused by severe seizure activity. “There were several moments where I didn’t think finishing would be possible,” she says. “But I learned to take things one step at a time and listen to my body.”
Lauren credits the program’s strong sense of community and support for helping her succeed. Her instructors maintained high academic expectations, but they also ensured she felt supported and confident asking for support.

Returning to her final semester brought both excitement and anxiety, but Lauren pushed forward, balancing practicum, coursework, and her health with care and determination. Along the way, she relearned course material, gaining a deeper understanding of herself as a learner and of the students she hopes to support.

Her experience has reshaped her definition of success. “At the beginning, success meant getting the highest grades,” she says. “By the end, it meant doing the best I could while taking care of my health and becoming the best EA I can be.”

Now a certified EA, Lauren is most proud of turning a difficult and uncertain time into something positive. Her journey has strengthened her compassion, patience, and ability to connect with students, qualities that will make her an exceptional Education Assistant.

Looking ahead, Lauren is excited to support students and advocate for individuals living with epilepsy.

“I started to understand how my curiosity and passion were my best tools,” she said. “Being a good learner is really abo...
08/17/2026

“I started to understand how my curiosity and passion were my best tools,” she said. “Being a good learner is really about asking the right questions and exploring your own thoughts.”

Maya moved from Edmonton to Kimberley to follow her passion for nature and to chase the lifestyle she loved. What she found at College of the Rockies helped turn that lifestyle into a meaningful career path in environmental science.

She chose the Associate of Science in Environmental Science diploma for its small class sizes, diverse coursework and transferability. Through hands-on learning and strong faculty support, she developed the confidence and practical skills for success. By the time she graduated, she had been accepted into multiple universities, including Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia.

Maya’s highlights:
- Studying glacier retreat in British Columbia using satellite imagery tools. The project aligned with the United Nations’ International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and culminated in a presentation to a group of outdoor leadership high school students.
- Taking on a leadership role for a Riipen project analyzing ammolite fossils where she collaborated with industry partners while experimenting with x-ray imaging and laser ablation techniques.

She also got involved beyond her coursework through the Math and Science Program Advisory Committee and the College’s Sustainability Committee. One class project even grew into the foundation for COTRSustainabilityClub.

With her diploma complete, she is building on that momentum through hands-on experience in the field. After a successful co-op placement, she is continuing to work in ecology and environmental restoration, travelling throughout the Elk Valley to collect native plant seeds for reclamation projects. She plans to continue her studies at Simon Fraser University with a focus on applied biology, with the long-term goal of contributing to environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.

Thinking about running for local office? Get the real story first.On Wednesday, August 26, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at College of...
08/13/2026

Thinking about running for local office? Get the real story first.

On Wednesday, August 26, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, a panel of past and outgoing elected officials will share what serving in local government actually involves: the time, the pay, the impact on family and work, and what they wish someone had told them before their first campaign.

Free and open to anyone in the East Kootenay curious about running for council, mayor, or electoral area director this October. Attending doesn't commit you to anything. A virtual option is available.

Register: https://forms.gle/Hep95qC2zd49armCA
Election rules and key dates: https://elections.bc.ca/

“At the end of the day, I think what we all want is to feel like we belong.”For Cassandra, the path forward has always b...
08/12/2026

“At the end of the day, I think what we all want is to feel like we belong.”

For Cassandra, the path forward has always been rooted in one simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and included.
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been naturally drawn to helping people, especially those who might feel overlooked: children, seniors, and individuals facing unique challenges.”

That belief made the Education Assistant program a natural choice. Combining her compassion and ability to connect with others, the program offered a meaningful way to support others.

Her interest in supporting those with diverse abilities started early.
“I remember in kindergarten being drawn to students who were part of inclusive education,” she recalls. “I wanted to spend time with them and get to know them.”
That early instinct is now a clear philosophy: every student has strengths, even if they aren’t immediately obvious.
“I’m passionate about creating spaces where every student feels understood, supported, and welcomed, where they’re not defined by their challenges, but recognized for who they are.”

The hands-on practicum experience helped transform theory into meaningful practice. Having previously worked as an uncertified EA, she found that applying what she learned in real classroom settings was especially impactful.
“The most rewarding part was seeing how what I learned could actively remove barriers and build connections, sometimes in ways people thought were impossible.”

As she steps into her career, she is clear about the kind of EA she wants to be.
“I want students to feel safe, respected, and genuinely supported. More than anything, I want them to know someone believes in them, even on the days they don’t believe in themselves.”

Her goal is to help foster inclusive school communities where every student feels they belong.
“Sometimes it’s not one big moment that makes a difference, it’s the small, consistent acts of care, patience, and encouragement,” she explains. “If I can help even one student feel more confident and supported, then I’ll know I’m making the difference I set out to make.”

Our campuses will be closed on Monday August 3rd for the long weekend. We will return to regular summer business operati...
07/31/2026

Our campuses will be closed on Monday August 3rd for the long weekend. We will return to regular summer business operations on Tuesday August 4th.

📸 This photo comes from our Mountain Adventure Skills Training program.

Calling all Local Businesses!Are you looking for a great way to connect or promote your business or services within the ...
07/30/2026

Calling all Local Businesses!

Are you looking for a great way to connect or promote your business or services within the College's student population?

Reserve a table for our Orientation Day on Tuesday, September 8th!

Contact the Student Life team to reserve your spot via email: [email protected]

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2700 College Way
Cranbrook, BC
V1C5L7

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+12504892751

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