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Webinar Wednesday Recap: Academic Upgrading

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Last week, we hosted a Webinar Wednesday session focused on Academic Upgrading at Fleming College. If you couldn’t attend live, here’s a recap of the key information shared during the session, along with highlights about how Academic Upgrading can help learners achieve their educational and career goals.  

Academic Upgrading is a free, government-funded program designed to help adult learners strengthen their skills, complete admission requirements, and prepare for college, employment, or apprenticeship opportunities. During the webinar, prospective students heard from Romina Amou-Zadeh from Student Recruitment and Keelin Stechey, a Student Advisor with Fleming’s Academic Upgrading department, about the flexible learning options, personalized support, and pathways available through the program. 

WHY ACADEMIC UPGRADING AT FLEMING?  

Academic Upgrading is designed specifically for adult learners who may be returning to school after time away, changing careers, or preparing for postsecondary education. The program offers flexible, self-paced courses that can be completed online, in person, or through a combination of both. Learners receive individualized support from instructors and advisors while working toward their personal goals.  

Students can upgrade skills in subjects including: 

  • Math  
  • English (Communications)  
  • Biology  
  • Chemistry  
  • Digital and computer skills  

The program also offers customized independent studies for learners who want to refresh specific skills without completing a full course. 

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS 

1. Flexible Learning Designed for Adult Students 

One of the biggest advantages of Academic Upgrading is its flexibility. Courses are entirely self-paced, allowing students to begin at any time and move through material according to their schedules. Whether learners are balancing work, family responsibilities, or other commitments, the program is structured to meet them where they are.  

Students can study: 

  • In person at one of Fleming’s four locations  
  • Online from home  
  • Through a hybrid combination of both  

Classrooms are available in Peterborough, Cobourg, Lindsay, and Haliburton. Small class sizes and drop-in style learning environments ensure learners receive one-on-one support from instructors throughout their studies.  

2. Pathways to College, Employment, and Apprenticeships 

Academic Upgrading supports a wide range of learner goals. Many students enroll to complete admission requirements for college programs, while others are looking to improve workplace skills or prepare for apprenticeships.  

The program can help learners: 

  • Earn required high school college-level math or English equivalencies (e.g., Grade 12 College Math) 
  • Refresh academic skills before starting college  
  • Improve computer and digital literacy skills  
  • Meet apprenticeship requirements  
  • Obtain a Grade 12 equivalency through the ACE Certificate  

The ACE Certificate (Academic and Career Entrance) is recognized by all Ontario colleges and apprenticeship programs as an equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students can earn the certificate in as little as four courses.  

3. Personalized Support Every Step of the Way 

Every learner begins with an intake assessment designed to determine the best starting level for their courses. From there, students work with a Student Advisor to build a personalized learning plan based on their goals and educational background.  

Instructors and advisors continue to provide support throughout the learning journey, including: 

  • Academic planning  
  • Flexible scheduling guidance  
  • One-on-one instructional support  
  • Career and pathway exploration  

Fleming also offers training supports for eligible learners, including assistance with transportation, parking, and childcare costs to help remove barriers to education.  

WHO IS ACADEMIC UPGRADING FOR

Academic Upgrading is open to adults who are: 

  • 18 years of age or older  
  • Not currently attending high school  
  • Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible refugees  

The program is ideal for anyone looking to strengthen their skills, return to learning with confidence, or explore future educational and career opportunities. 

CHECK OUT THE FULL WEBINAR:  

HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT TO LEARN MORE?  

If you’re considering college, exploring career options, or looking to strengthen your skills, Fleming’s Academic Upgrading team is here to help contact us at AUPeterborough@flemingcollege.ca or AUCobourg@flemingcollege.ca. Our Student Recruitment. team and program representatives are here to answer questions, help you explore admission pathways, or guide you toward the right next step. Be sure to check out our upcoming Webinar Wednesday sessions online. We’re hosting new topics in the months ahead and it’s a great way to learn more about programs that excite you. 

CAN’T MAKE A LIVE WEBINAR WEDNESDAY EVENT?  

No problem! We’ll save video recordings on Fleming’s official YouTube channel. And don’t worry, Program Coordinators are always available to answer your questions!    

For more information about Webinar Wednesdays, please contact Student Recruitment.  

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