Academic Upgrading: Academic and Career Entrance Program

“I recently completed several courses through the ACE program at Northern College to meet the requirements for the Practical Nursing program, and I am thrilled to share my positive experience.

From the start, the staff at Northern College were incredibly supportive. They conducted a thorough assessment to determine exactly which courses I needed, ensuring I was on the right path to achieve my goals.

While working both full-time and part-time jobs, I was able to complete the coursework on time. The flexibility of the program, with individualized timetables and the ability to start at any time between September and May, made it possible for me to balance my busy schedule.

The ACE program provides a personalized learning experience, offering one-on-one coaching and feedback, which was invaluable. The communication and support from the instructors were excellent, ensuring I always had the assistance I needed.

Northern College made me feel genuinely appreciated for my efforts, awarding me scholarships and other forms of recognition.

Overall, my experience with the ACE program with Academic Upgrading was outstanding. I am grateful to have found such a supportive and effective program, and I am excited to continue my education at Northern College.”

– Shanice Morris, Practical Nursing Student, ACE Graduate in Math, Chemistry, Biology

“I came to the Academic Upgrading program in October of 2023 as a mature student who had been out of the educational system for almost 30 years. At that time, I had resigned myself to the fact that I had passed up the opportunity for a fulfilling career, and my intention was to obtain my grade 12 equivalent to increase my chances of employment in the public sector. During my assessment, we discussed my interest in human resources, which led to a discussion about how obtaining a post-secondary diploma and starting a career at my age was achievable.”

“Since that conversation, I have worked very hard to keep my GPA at a minimum of 4.0 and enrolled in the Business-Human Resources program at Northern College. So far, one of the biggest challenges I have faced has been the financial hardships of supporting a household and dependants and trying to save for my tuition. This bursary has relieved a lot of stress and brought me one step closer to my goal.”

“The Academic Upgrading program and the Academic Upgrading Bursary have been life-altering for me and I want to, once again, express my gratitude for being chosen out of all of my classmates to receive this reward. This bursary will help me in obtaining something I had thought was out of my reach, a fulfilling career in a field I enjoy.”

– Rikki Carter, Human Resources Student

“Growing up, school was not my thing. It started with failing a few classes and eventually led to dropping out of high school. Down the road, I did not expect to be a mother of six wonderful children and have to explain the importance of education to them.”

“At the beginning of October 2019, my grandma became very ill. The PSWs that would come in to take care of her worked so hard; my grandma was always smiling… I thought this was something I would love to do with my life; the only problem was I needed the prerequisites to get into the program.”

Nine months later, while juggling all six children and a busy household, Leah had completed her English, Computers and Self Direction Self Management courses with honours. She is an example of the mind set that it is never too late to start something new. After 17 years away from education, Leah found the courage to try again.

“With Academic Upgrading, I am where I am now. I got the courses I needed to be accepted into the PSW program. My long-term goal is to finish PSW and begin working in long-term care. I enjoyed Academic Upgrading being offered at the college. As an older student, I felt comfortable being in a class with students of all ages. I would recommend Academic Upgrading to anyone needing to get credits or upgrade their current marks.”

– Leah Bolton, Personal Support Worker Student