History and Philosophy

Lake College was founded in 1997 through acquisition of what was then Pacific Technical Institute. The school was operated under the name of Sierra West Academy. In 2001, Sierra West Academy was acquired by Northern California Institute of Technology to form a new vocational school, Career Academy. On September 5, 2003, Career Academy was awarded its national accreditation by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). The Board of Directors of Career Academy subsequently approved an expansion plan and the name change to Lake College, effective January 1, 2004.

Lake College's programs in healthcare, business and technology emphasize a practical approach to move a student through the completion of an applied training program and into the workforce.