CNC Open House
CNC Open House

CNC opens Prince George campus to prospective students Thursday

Oct 21, 2026 | 4:12 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – People considering post-secondary education, a career change or new job skills will have a chance to see what the College of New Caledonia has to offer Thursday.

CNC is holding its annual Prince George Open House on October 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. at its campus at 3330 22nd Avenue.

The event is open to future students, families and other members of the community, with visitors able to explore more than 80 programs offered by the college, meet instructors and students and tour the campus.

Jane Gauthier, CNC’s Manager of Future Student Services, says the event is designed for people at a variety of stages in making decisions about post-secondary education.

“It’s really just an opportunity for anyone who’s interested in learning more about CNC, the programs we have to offer, what our services look like, what they can expect as a student at CNC,” Gauthier said.

“It’s a great time for people to come and explore campus, learn more about who we are, and figure out what some of their next steps might be.”

The college says the Open House is aimed not only at high school students considering what to do after graduation, but also people looking at changing careers or upgrading their existing skills.

Gauthier says CNC recognizes not everyone who comes through the doors Thursday will know what they want to study.

“We know that a number of people are thinking about what’s next going to look like for them,” she said. “So this is just a great opportunity for them to come and find out some answers.”

The college’s programs will be represented in CNC’s Gathering Place during the event.

Gauthier says that will give visitors a central location to learn about options across a wide range of fields.

“CNC has over 80-plus programs in health sciences, human services, trades, technologies, business, university transfer,” she said. “So all of our programs will be here in the Gathering Place.”

In addition to academic and trades programming, CNC’s student services will be represented nearby.

Visitors will be able to connect with instructors and learn about services available to students, along with financial aid, academic advising and opportunities to transfer.

The afternoon and evening will also include hands-on activities and program demonstrations, providing prospective students with another way to explore the college and the programs available to them.

CNC President Cindy Heitman says the event is intended to help prospective students see what their options could look like without requiring them to already have a career path mapped out.

“Education has the power to change lives and create futures, and Open House is a wonderful opportunity for people to discover what that could look like for them,” Heitman said in a statement.

“Whether someone has a clear career goal or is just beginning to explore their options, we want them to see the possibilities available right here in their community.”

There is also an added incentive for people who are ready to take the next step and apply to CNC.

An application station will be available during the Open House and the college will waive its application fee for those interested in applying.

“So anyone who is interested in applying to CNC can do so completely free of charge,” Gauthier said.

The Open House will also give visitors a chance at one of two $1,000 tuition credits.

Gauthier says visitors only need to check in and check out of the event to be eligible for the draw.

The college’s news release also highlights some of the less academic components of the event. Games, prizes and a 360-degree photo booth will be available during the afternoon and evening.

Beyond the activities, Heitman says the goal is to make what can be a significant decision about post-secondary education a little easier for prospective students.

“Choosing what to study and where to study is an important decision,” she said. “We want people to feel welcome, ask questions and leave knowing there is a place for them at CNC.”

For Gauthier, the Open House gives people a chance to do that exploration in person, whether they arrive ready to submit an application or are still working out what they want to do next.

CNC’s Prince George Open House runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 22, at 3330 22nd Avenue.