Learn more about personalized support helping learners overcome barriers and thrive as part of our Back to School 2026: Student success in action series

Posted on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026

Sept. 8, 2026, OTTAWA, ON — For mature student Tracy Dupuis, returning to school at age 36 as a mother of two was a significant choice.

“It was a big decision, and while I was excited, I also had a lot of questions about where to start,” said Dupuis. Luckily, she had Aspire AC to assist her along the way.

Aspire AC at Algonquin College is helping students overcome those barriers through personalized, wraparound support to an estimated 300 to 400 students each fiscal year who may face barriers to accessing and succeeding in post-secondary education.

Funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Aspire AC provides continuous support across three key phases: access, transition and retention. Through one-on-one guidance, mentorship and connections to resources, the program helps students navigate every stage of their academic journey.

“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.”

For many prospective students, the path to post-secondary education can feel overwhelming. Questions about admissions, financial aid, program selection and balancing life responsibilities can create barriers that make college seem out of reach.

Aspire AC begins by connecting with community organizations, school boards and social service agencies to raise awareness of post-secondary opportunities and available supports. During the transition phase, staff work directly with students to help them apply to college, access financial assistance, choose programs, connect with services and prepare for their first day of classes.

Support continues after enrollment through mentorship, referrals to campus resources and career preparation. Students can also access peer tutoring, job coaching, resume and interview support, and workshops designed to help them succeed both academically and professionally.

“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,” said Aspire AC Co-ordinator Hunter Morris. “They’re always going to have the support of an Aspire team member if they choose to.”

Students can access Aspire AC before applying to Algonquin College, while they are adjusting to college life or later in their studies if new challenges arise. With continuous intake, support is available whenever students need it.

“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 impact of the program is evident in the growth and success of the students it serves.

“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 said. “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 making college more accessible and empowering learners to achieve their educational and career goals.

This story is part of Algonquin College’s Back to School 2026 Series highlighting innovative programs, partnerships and supports that help learners succeed both in the classroom and beyond.

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Media
Sara-Lynne Levine
levines2@algonquincollege.com
613-614-1769

 

About Algonquin College

The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, is the premier destination for innovation through polytechnic leadership, driving prosperity and impact in the nation’s capital and beyond. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario offering close to 170 programs, with campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke, with fully online programming delivered through AC Online. 


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