Academic Upgrading Program (A751)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

Providing Academic Upgrading for over 50 years.

Program Overview

Academic Upgrading (A751) is a tuition-free program designed to reduce barriers to accessing and succeeding in post-secondary education. If you're a mature student who hasn't completed grade 12 and wants to obtain a certificate, diploma, or degree, then this program is for you.

Through a personalized assessment, we'll identify your strengths and areas for growth. You'll then participate in targeted learning activities to enhance your skills, which may include reading, writing, math, and/or science. We also offer individual counselling supports, along with academic and career advising.

With multiple intakes throughout the year and options for full-time or part-time study, our program is tailored to accommodate your personal needs. You'll need to complete a reading and writing assessment to make sure the program is the right fit for you and that you receive the proper placement.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will have the choice between courses offered in-person and online, subject to availability. Registered students who are regularly attending the program may be eligible to receive a transportation subsidy, a netbook, and/or monthly Internet device.

Full Description

Academic Upgrading (A751) is a free program that will help you upgrade your skills in communications, math, and science to get you ready for college-level post-secondary programs, apprenticeship, or employment.

About the Academic Upgrading Program:

  • a free program funded by the Employment Ontario branch of the The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Trades and Skills Development (MLITSD)
  • you'll have access to academic advising and career counselling
  • you may be eligible for a transportation allowance
  • flexible program delivery with both full-time and part-time options available
  • runs year-round, with classes starting every seven weeks
  • you'll create an individualized learning plan to support your life, academic, and career goals
  • length of program will vary based on your initial academic assessment, specific goals, and individual progress
  • each program intake begins with a one-day online orientation session

PLEASE NOTE: Prior to starting this program, you will be required to complete a reading and writing assessment to determine your literacy levels and program eligibility. The assessment results will determine your level of study.

We offer several Academic Upgrading program streams to support your individual goals and to meet your level of academic readiness.

Levels of Study Offered

Communications courses:

  • Foundations
  • ACE (Academic and Career Entrance, grade 12C equivalent course for college admission purposes)
  • Pre-ACE
  • Personal and Professional Exploration (ACE level course designed to solidify student plans for college and careers)

Math courses:

  • ACE Business Math (grade 12C equivalent course for college admission purposes)
  • ACE Apprenticeship Math (grade 12C equivalent course for college or Apprenticeship admission purposes)
  • ACE Technology Math (grade 12C equivalent course for college admission purposes)

Science courses:

  • physics, chemistry, and biology (only offered at the ACE level for college admission purposes)

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Educational Pathways

The Academic Upgrading program is designed to help you prepare for college while at college. The courses and educational pathways you pursue will help meet your individual goals, timelines, and needs. By completing courses in this program, you can earn Academic and Career Entrance (ACE), grade 12 “C” equivalent credits, to apply for any program offered at an Ontario Community College.

Alumni Impact

We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
 
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.

Latest alumni stories 

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