Academic Upgrading

Important Update: Academic Upgrading to be discontinued

Please be advised that Mohawk College has made the difficult decision to discontinue the Academic Upgrading program. We’re working with the Adult Basic Education Association and the *Hamilton School boards to ensure that you are able to continue your learning journey in our community.

Please contact one of the providers below for more information.

ACE Distance is an online provider who provides free programming where you can earn the same ACE courses/certificate that we offered in Academic Upgrading. They can be reached by emailing info [at] cscau.com (info[at]cscau[dot]com)

The Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA) is the adult learning network in Hamilton.  They can help you explore your options so you're ready for your future academic pathway.  All services are free. The ABEA can be reached at pathways [at] abea.on.ca (pathways[at]abea[dot]on[dot]ca)  or 905-527-2222.

*If you’re interested in attending classes through the school board, please contact the ABEA.

a women smiling for the photo

Looking to take your skills to the next level?

Whether you need a boost to pursue postsecondary or skilled trades, or you’re looking to upgrade skills for employment possibilities… We can help!

Academic Upgrading is a FREE and flexible program designed to help you achieve your goals.

What is FREE Academic Upgrading?

We are a free, flexible, and individualized program that can help you achieve your college, apprenticeship and employment goals!

Our courses are designed for learners who:

  • Need to meet admission requirements to apply for a college program
  • Already have admission requirements but would like to refresh their skills before entering the college environment
  • Are interested in learning and improving their skills for a sense of personal achievement
  • and more!

Academic Upgrading is also taught in American Sign Language (ASL) 👋 

Visit the Deaf Empowerment Program website

We offer:

  • Up to grade 12 college equivalency in English and Math
  • Up to grade 11 college equivalency in Biology

Why Upgrade at Mohawk?

Mohawk College’s Academic Upgrading program offers many benefits and opportunities including:

Financial Support

  • Academic Upgrading is a FREE program! Financial support for daycare and/or transportation is also available for eligible learners. Please inquire at upgrading [at] mohawkcollege.ca (upgrading[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

Flexible Schedules

  • Attend when you’re ready! Start dates are flexible and are available throughout the September to June period
  • Attend part-time, full-time or in the evenings

Transition to Your Educational and Employment Goals

  • Attend lessons and workshops designed to support your academic and employment success
  • Take advantage of academic resources such as access to information on How to Apply to College, Applying for Financial Aid & OSAP, and more
  • Connect with Community Employment Services at Mohawk and register for workshops that can help you in your search for employment

A Learning Plan Designed Just for You

  • After an academic skills review and your one-on-one interview, your upgrading plan will be developed based on your goals and focused on exactly what you need to reach them

College Environment

  • Our program is offered in a thriving, well-equipped college environment
  • Learn from qualified professors in a supportive setting
  • You’ll be surrounded by a community of other motivated, friendly learners

Program Options

With a focus on raising Math, Science and English skills to the college-entry level and employment standards, an individualized learning plan is created for each student entering the program. Academic Upgrading can help learners qualify for admission to many Mohawk College programs and can also assist in employment readiness.

We Offer:

  • English - Grade 12 College Equivalency
  • Math - Grade 12 College Equivalency:
    • Technical Math
  • Science - Grade 11 College Equivalency:
    • Biology

 

"Academic and Career Entrance logo"

Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) courses are non-postsecondary courses designed to prepare you to succeed in postsecondary and apprenticeship training. They are accepted as Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) equivalent by Colleges and Apprenticeship for purposes of admission.

Admission Requirement & Eligibility

We invite all learners who meet eligibility and suitability requirements set by the Government of Ontario to apply for Academic Upgrading at Mohawk College.

Eligibility requirements must be met in order to be considered for the program. These include:

  1. Applicants must have reached mature student status (19 years or older)
  2. Applicants cannot also be enrolled at a high school or in post-secondary education
  3. Applicants must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or considered a Protected Person in Canada (with notice of decision)
  4. Applicants must be living in the province of Ontario
  5. Applicants must demonstrate fundamental listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in the English language
    • Non-native English speakers may need to prove their English abilities through either: a) a level seven (7) or higher on all sections of the Canadian Language Benchmark test, or b) proof of successful completion of three (3) or more years of study at an accredited English-speaking school.

Suitability factors are also considered in the admissions process. This is to ensure that the program remains available to those who need it. Applicants must satisfy two or more of the following factors:

Suitability IndicatorDefinition
Education level attained

The highest education level the individual has completed at service/program entrance is:

  • Less than grade 12
Source of income
  • Ontario Works (OW)
  • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
  • No source of income
  • Crown Ward extended care and maintenance
Time out of school, or trainingThe individual has been out of education or training for 6 years or more.
Age

The individual is:

  • Older than 45 years of age and under 64 years of age.
History of interrupted educationThe individual has identified that he/she has had a history of interrupted primary and secondary education.
Person with disability

The individual has self-identified as a person with a disability as defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Ontario Human Rights Code definition.

This includes persons who have:

  • Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device.
  • A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability.
  • A learning disability or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language.
  • A mental disorder.
  • An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Indigenous personA person of indigenous ancestry
Deaf / Deaf blindThe individual has self-identified as deaf or deaf blind
FrancophoneThose persons whose mother tongue is French, plus those whose mother tongue are neither French nor English but have a particular knowledge of French as an Official Language and use French at home.

View the Literacy and Basic Skills Program Guidelines for more details on eligibility and suitability.

Quick links for staff and learners

Mohawk College has lots of resources available to learners registered in Academic Upgrading.

Contact Us

For any questions about Academic Upgrading at Mohawk College, please connect with us by phone or email:

905-575-2029
upgrading [at] mohawkcollege.ca (subject: Online%20Web%20Inquiry%20-%20Academic%20Upgrading) (upgrading[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

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This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.