Academic Upgrading Program (A751)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

Providing Academic Upgrading for over 50 years.

Program Overview

George Brown College's Academic Upgrading (A751) is a tuition-free program that will help improve your reading, writing, math and science skills. It is an ideal program if you are English-speaking, have not yet completed high school credits, but are interested in pursing college-level post-secondary studies, further skills training, apprenticeship or employment. We offers several intakes each year with full-time and part-time study options available. 

Prior to starting (A751), you will be required to complete a reading and writing assessment to determine your suitability and placement in the program.

Beginning Fall 2022, students 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

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

About the Academic Upgrading Program:

  • free program funded by the Employment Ontario branch of the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD)
  • as an enrolled student, you will have access to advising services (academic advising and career counselling) and may be eligible for a transportation allowance
  • flexible program delivery with both full-time and part-time study options available
  • runs year-round with classes starting every seven weeks
  • you will create an individualized learning plan to support your life, academic and career goals
  • the length of your 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

This program is designed to help you prepare for college while at college. The courses and educational pathways you pursue will be designed to 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.

Visit and discover life in our campus

Book campus tour

Get answers to your questions

Book info session

Sign up to receive tailored resources to make your application, your way.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.