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Academic Upgrading Courses                                                                   <Back

upgrading

FREE BIOLOGY & ACADEMIC UPGRADING AT ALGONQUIN COLLEGE - Pembroke

FEBRUARY 3, 2012 - FREE Biology Course Now Running!

College Preparation Biology is the pre-requisite for many health science college programs --- including Practical Nursing!  Register now— as space is limited!

Do you need prerequisites for your college program?  Learn how the Academic Upgrading program can help you achieve the admission requirements you need. 

Call us today to register in one or more of these free courses:

English, Math, Computer Skills, Biology, Chemistry*, Success Strategies* (*subject to applicant demand)

Do you want to refresh your skills before changing careers or entering a college program? Learn how the Academic Upgrading program helps students prepare for college and the workplace.

 

Call today to find out more:  613-735-4700, ext. 2764


Academic Upgrading at the Pembroke Campus

Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley helps students prepare for college and the workplace through the Academic Upgrading program.

Students who reside in Ontario do not have to pay any tuition fees.* The program also offers a continuous intake, meaning students can start classes at any time of the year.  Classes run from September to June.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT OUR ACADEMIC UPGRADING COURSES:


  • To be eligible for these courses, you must be 19 years of age or older
  • Class size is limited and seats become available on a first-come-first-served basis
  • You must be motivated to attend classes on a daily basis in order to successfully complete your academic upgrading
  • All classes are held at the Pembroke Campus of Algonquin College
  • Students who reside in Ontario do not pay any tuition fees and books are provided free of charge. In addition, students may be eligible for financial support to cover costs related to child care and transportation to and from the College.
  • Appllicants will be required to meet with one of our teachers for an assessment of their educational level and suitability for upgrading courses in a college setting. The assessment will include an English test and possibily some Math questions.computer
  • The subjects offered at the Pembroke Campus include English, Math, computers, biology, chemistry and student success strategies.
  • In most cases students will need to complete four courses in the Academic Upgrading program to earn the Academic Career Entrance (ACE) certification. ACE meets the academic requirement for many college and apprenticeship training programs and many employers also recognize it as meeting their minimum employment standard.
  • College preparation courses offer students some flexibility, however, there are set timetables and students are expected to attend classes regularly.
  • Classes are held on a Monday to Thursday schedule.
  • Students in Academic Upgrading courses can take advantage of other college services such as career counselling, abilities counselling, tutoring, health services, and social activities on campus.
  • The majority of students who enroll in Academic Upgrading courses carry on with their studies in a full-time college program.

* The Academic Upgrading Program Curriculum is offered free of charge to Ontario residents.  However, please note that all students in the Academic Upgrading Program are required to pay a $10 non-refundable material fee.

Questions & Answers about Academic Upgrading

  

studying1.  Who should be considering Academic Upgrading courses at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley?

Anyone who is 19 years of age or over who dropped out of high school with less than a grade 12 diploma. If you are only a few credits short of a high school diploma, we recommend you contact your closest Adult Education Centre to inquire about obtaining the necessary credits to graduate. However, if you are several credits away from graduating and interested in attending college as a mature student, our academic upgrading courses may be the right fit for you.

If you have a high school diploma, but you have been out of school for several years, academic upgrading would also be beneficial, particularly if you are planning to enrol in a college program or apprenticeship training. 

Many laid off workers take advantage of academic upgrading courses as a means of updating their communication, math and computer skills as they prepare to seek new employment opportunities or pursue higher education.

For young people under the age of 25 who are pursuing apprenticeship training, successful completion of the ACE curriculum through our college preparation courses will help you meet the academic requirement to become an apprentice. You may also qualify for a $1,000 scholarship upon successful completion of your upgrading and registration as an apprentice. This scholarship is offered through the Job Connect program and rewards young people who return to school to prepare for apprenticeship training. 

 

class2.  How do I apply for Academic Upgrading courses? 

This program accepts new students on a continuous basis during the school year, September to June.  If you want to apply for the Academic Upgrading program, fill out this form and fax to our Admissions office at 613-735-8800, or drop off at the college during business hours, Monday to Friday.

When you complete the application form, you will be given an appointment to meet with a teacher to assess your situation, academic level, and academic and career goals.

If you are a suitable candidate for our academic upgrading program, you can expect to start classes very soon after your initial consultation, subject to seat availability.  The college will work with you to develop an action plan that suits your career goals.

  

3.  Will any of the courses I take through the Academic Upgrading program give me exemptions in a full-time college program? 

In some cases you may be eligible for an exemption. For example, you may receive an exemption for an introductory computer course based on the computer skills you develop in the academic upgrading program. However, in most cases, the courses you take in the program will prepare you to be successful in your college studies but will not result in exemptions.


NEED MORE INFORMATION?

For more information, contact
Jaki Purdy at 613-735-4700, ext. 2764

or e-mail purdyj1@algonquincollege.com