Academic Upgrading students finding success in post-secondary programs
Students who have completed Academic Upgrading (AU) at Fleming College are finding success in full-time post-secondary programs at the College.
Academic Upgrading allows students who may not have completed high school the opportunity to take courses in science, math, physics, communications and computers in order to prepare for college, an apprenticeship or career advancement.
In 2015-16, more than 110 students who completed AU courses at the College went on to take Fleming programs across six academic schools – the variety of programs range from Biotechnology to Urban Forestry to Electrical Techniques. Further, those students achieved an overall average of 75% or a 3.0 GPA in their first two semesters of study with close to 90% of the students finishing both first and second semesters.
“What is important to note is that many of these students face significant barriers to education,” says Rick Nydam, Coordinator of Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program. “A majority of these students have been out of a school setting for some time prior to coming into the AU program. They overcome barriers that a new high school graduate doesn’t necessarily have to face. These include balancing raising a family, part-time work, and paying bills – all while attending our classes.”
In 2015-16, Fleming served a total of 721 Academic Upgrading students across its four campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Following completion of the courses, students can opt to go on to a post-secondary program, an apprenticeship, or enter the workforce.
AU courses are free to most students via funding from Employment Ontario. At Fleming, the AU program offers a continuous intake – students can start any time – and learning is self-paced. For those who qualify, financial assistance may be available to help with transportation costs.
For more information on Academic Upgrading at Fleming College, visit: flemingcollege.ca/programs/academic-upgrading.
About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.
-30-
Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370