Academic Upgrading Students Recognized for their Achievements during Learner Recognition Day

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 23, 2021 – Confederation College recognized the accomplishments of 161 students from its Academic Upgrading program today with a formal virtual ceremony. Students were celebrated for earning certificates, awards and bursaries in recognition of their completion of academic upgrading courses. Eight students received Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificates, provincially recognized as a Grade 12 equivalent.

“Our Academic Upgrading students are the epitome of courage and we are extremely proud of their accomplishments,” said Kathleen Lynch, President of Confederation College. “Facing added challenges during the past year, the fortitude demonstrated by our students in reaching this important day is truly inspiring. On behalf of our entire College community, congratulations to all of our graduates!”

The Academic Upgrading program offers an individualized approach to learning and prepares students to meet their educational, apprenticeship and/or employment goals. The program focuses on upgrading mathematics, communications, biology, chemistry, physics and computer skills. Following the completion of the preparatory courses, students can gain direct entry into postsecondary programs and apprenticeships, and/or earn their ACE Certificate.

A report from the College Sector Committee for Academic Upgrading, titled Prepared for Success 2018-19, proved that adult learners who complete academic upgrading programs in Ontario’s 24 public colleges are well-prepared to succeed in postsecondary programs.¹ In fact, it found that the average pass rate for first semester students in all programs is 84 per cent and more than 76 per cent of students had the necessary grades to enroll in second semester programming.

One student celebrated at the Recognition Day ceremony was Thornton Lourens. Originally from South Africa, Lourens moved to Canada in 2018 and has long had a dream to fly. With flight schools more affordable in Canada, he was ready to pursue his dream, but his 14-year-old high school marks weren’t high enough for him to apply.

Enter Confederation College’s Academic Upgrading program in which Lourens has proudly earned an ACE certificate and received the ACE Award of Excellence for achieving the highest overall grade point average in the graduating class. “The certificate opens up other avenues,” he said. “It doesn’t mean you have only one door open. You can go on to many fields from there.” And that’s just what he’s done. Reconsidering his plans as a result of the pandemic, Lourens is currently enrolled in the Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program at Confederation to take his previously earned mechanical skills to the next level. “Depending on the job market, I may work as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer before I enroll in flight school,” he said. With the dream of flying still in his sights, Lourens will surely have an exciting future, no matter where his journey takes him. See the backgrounder to learn more.

Carol Cline, Director of Workforce Development noted that Lourens is just one example of many who remain a part of the College community post-graduation. “Each year, approximately 90 graduates from the Academic Upgrading program go on to postsecondary education at Confederation College and many of those students excel,” she said. “Through the support of the Academic Upgrading program, each graduate has laid a strong foundation for continued success in their future postsecondary studies and careers. We hope many of them will choose to continue their studies at Confederation College. Whatever their aspirations, we will follow our graduates’ journeys with great interest and will always be here to support them.”

Recognition Day is a highlight of the academic year as Confederation College showcases the accomplishments, dedication and success of learners from Thunder Bay and throughout the region. A number of awards, certificates and bursaries were virtually presented along with academic achievement and leadership awards.

Photos

These photos are from an in-person presentation of the Academic and Career Entrance certificate to graduate Thornton Lourens outside of Confederation College’s Aviation Centre of Excellence where Thornton is currently enrolled in the Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program. This special moment was organized for Thornton in recognition of his receipt of the Academic Award of Excellence.

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Confederation College has been serving the citizens of northwestern Ontario since 1967 meeting the educational needs of students in a catchment area of some 550,000 square kilometres. Along with its main campus in Thunder Bay, Confederation College has eight regional sites located in Dryden, Fort Frances, Greenstone, Kenora, Marathon, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Wawa. 

Confederation College delivers exceptional education and training to an average of 7,000 combined full- and part-time students per year and currently has a total of 850 full- and part-time employees. Confederation’s regional economic impact and contribution is valued at $643.4 million annually.

For more information, please contact:
Ashleigh Quarrell, Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Cell: (807) 632-5296, E-mail: [email protected]

1. cscau.com/resources/prepared-for-success-2018-2019