Aspire AC: Making college possible for every potential student

For Tracy Dupuis, returning to school at 36 was exciting, but it also came with plenty of questions. As a mother of two who had been out of school for years, she wasn’t sure where to begin, how to navigate the application process or how she would manage the financial side of going back to school.

What she did know was that she wanted to take the next step. With support from Aspire AC, that step became possible.

Aspire AC at Algonquin College is a unique student support program that provides personalized guidance from the moment a prospective student begins exploring college options through to graduation and beyond. Unlike traditional support services that students access only when needed, Aspire AC, funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities, offers a continuous, wraparound approach focused on three key phases: access, transition and retention.

For mature student Dupuis, Aspire AC helped transform what felt like an overwhelming process into an achievable goal. “It was a big decision, and while I was excited, I also had a lot of questions about where to start,” she said.

After being out of school for so many years, the enrollment process and applying for OSAP felt overwhelming. That’s where Aspire AC made such a difference.

“From the beginning, they took the time to answer my questions, walk me through each step of the enrollment process, and help me navigate my OSAP application,” said Dupuis. “Their guidance made the entire process feel manageable, and I always felt supported.”

“What meant the most was that they made me feel like I belonged. They gave me the confidence to believe that going back to school was possible, no matter my age or where I was in life.”

“Our goal is to provide a warm handover from one of our services to another so that students feel supported all the way through their academic journey,” says Aspire AC Co-ordinator Hunter Morris. “They’re always going to have the support of an Aspire team member if they choose to.”

The program begins with access and outreach, connecting with community organizations, school boards and social service agencies to help prospective students learn about post-secondary opportunities and the supports available to them. During the transition phase, Aspire AC staff work one-on-one with students to help them apply to college, navigate OSAP, select programs, secure student services and prepare for their first day of classes.

Once students are enrolled, Aspire AC continues to provide individualized support through mentorship, referrals to campus services and career preparation. The program can also connect students with peer tutoring, job coaching, resume and interview support, and workshops designed to help them succeed both in college and in the workplace.

“Looking back, returning to school was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and Aspire AC helped make that first step feel achievable,” said Dupuis. “If you’re thinking about going back to school but aren’t sure where to begin, I encourage you to reach out. Having the right support can make all the difference.”

“One of Aspire AC’s strengths is its flexibility,” said Morris. “Students can connect with the program before applying to Algonquin College, during their first semester, or even later in their academic journey if new challenges arise. Intake is continuous, ensuring support is available whenever students need it.”

For Morris, the program’s impact is what makes the work rewarding.

“It’s one of the most rewarding jobs that I’ve done because you get to work with students from day one up until they graduate,” he says. “You get to see that growth in confidence, that growth in academics.”

By helping students overcome barriers, build confidence and access the resources they need to thrive, Aspire AC is opening doors to education and empowering learners to achieve their goals, one step at a time.

To learn more about Aspire AC visit their website.