Inspired by the concept of lifelong learning, Margaret Cleaveley set out to establish an adult learning community in the Kamloops region. To that end, she met with board members of the Kelowna Seniors Learning in Retirement (SLR). In September of 2005, she held an information meeting which 50 people or so attended and chose the name Kamloops Adult Learners Society. The first courses were offered in the late Fall 2005, among them a ten session Canadian history course instructed by Dr. Anne Gagnon. In honour of Margaret Cleaveley’s dedication to her vision, KALS created the Margaret Cleaveley Award for Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award in 2010.

KALS continues to offer a diverse range of single and multi-session courses and field trips, often as many as 40 to 50 per semester. KALS latest initiative to improve communication with members, and ease the registration process, is the redevelopment of the KALS website, which is made possible by a grant from the City.