Confederation College Celebrates Academic Upgrading Students

(THUNDER BAY, ON – May 1, 2024) – Confederation College celebrated the accomplishments of over 100 students today at the annual Academic Upgrading Recognition Ceremony. Academic Upgrading allows individuals to upgrade their skills and qualifications to achieve their academic and career goals.

12 students received an Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate, equivalent to a Grade 12 Ontario high school diploma. Courses included in the ACE Certificate include chemistry, physics, biology and self-management. The Academic Upgrading program offers an individualized approach to learning and ensures they are prepared for further education or employment opportunities. 

Alternatively, students can complete individual academic upgrading courses based on their needs. Through personalized support and guidance from experienced faculty, students are empowered to overcome academic challenges and reach their full potential. Over 200 students were recognized today for completing a course since last year.

“We’re excited to celebrate our Academic Upgrading Students and proud of the determination they have shown to complete their studies,” said Kathleen Lynch, President of Confederation College. “Their determination and hard work have laid a solid foundation for their future endeavours. Many of these students will continue their studies with us in a post-secondary program this fall.”

In 2023, 107 Academic Upgrading students continued onto post-secondary programs at Confederation College. Statistics show that upgrading programs prepare students for success and committing to their education.

“I was a nurse back home in Nepal, so when I moved to Canada, I needed more requirements. I had to upgrade the courses I did not have.’ [Academic Upgrading] was my foundation to get into the BScN program…it got me ready to jump into post-secondary education,” explained Suzy Karki, a former Academic Upgrading student who has now completed her first year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the college. “You can do all the courses on your own time, it is an individual plan and you get a dedicated faculty member.  I [finished] in five months while I was working full-time, doing all my assignments online and in-person. The faculty went above and beyond helping me make sure I could get everything done.”

The Academic Upgrading program at Confederation College is designed to meet the diverse needs of learners, providing flexibility and accessibility for individuals with varying schedules and commitments. Whether students seek to complete their high school education or enhance specific skills for career advancement, the program offers a pathway to success.

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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 seven regional sites located in Dryden, Fort Frances, Greenstone, Kenora, Marathon, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake, as well as a growing Distance Education division.    

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 600 full- and part-time employees. Confederation’s regional economic impact and contribution is valued at $707.3 million annually.