Academic Upgrading – Pembroke Campus

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Academic Upgrading Suspended

Algonquin College has made the difficult decision to suspend the Academic Upgrading program at the Pembroke Campus, and is not accepting new students. We encourage you to explore the list of other local and online Literacy and Basic Skills providers listed below, as well as high school credit/equivalency providers, for your next steps. We appreciate your understanding and wish you the best in your educational journey.

Local or Online Literacy and Basic Skills Service Providers

Adult & Continuing Education (Renfrew County District School Board) – local

  • Inquire about which courses are available this semester.
  • Classes are through eLearning and are structured as “self-study”; however, a teacher is available to assist you.
  • In most cases, there is no fee to take these courses if you meet the eligibility requirements.
  • Eligibility: You must be 18 or older, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and a resident of Renfrew County.
    • International students may have additional eligibility requirements.
  • For help in upgrading your communication, math, or digital skills for work, education, or independence, contact:
    Melissa Friske, Get SET Program Coordinator at friskem@rcdsb.on.ca, or call 613-432-3156.

ACE Distance courses – online

  • Can earn admission requirements to PSE certificate and diploma programs
  • Can earn an Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate
  • Students must complete the Self-Management and Self-Direction course first.
  • Upgrading in Apprenticeship Math, Biology, Business Math, Chemistry, Communications (English), Computers, Core Math, Physics, and Technology Math.
  • Eligibility: You must be 18 or older and a resident of Ontario.

TVO ILC – online

  • Self-paced high school courses, $40 per course
  • Can earn OSSD and PSE program pre-requisites
  • Phone number: 1-800-387-551

Ontario Virtual School – online

Ontario eSecondary School – online

Academic Upgrading Current Student Resources

Training Support Form

If you are a current student of the Academic Upgrading Program and are in need Financial Support for Travel, Technology or Childcare – you can fill in this form to have your eligibility assessed for funding.  

 Click Here for Training Support Form.

Student Leave Request Form

  • If you are a current student who needs to request a leave from the program, you can do so using the form below. Leave requests can be done for between 1-3 weeks and used for life events such as vacation, surgery/illness, work schedule changes, moving etc.  
  • For short-term concerns such as sickness day of class, email your professor to let them know of your absence.  
  • For longer-term concerns lasting longer than 3 weeks, reach out to your Program Coordinator for guidance.  

Click Here for Student Leave Form.

Student Exit Form

If you are ready to leave the program entirely, you can use this form to request your withdrawal. 
After completing it, please email your Program Coordinator at bouchec1@algonquincollege.com  

Click here for the student leave form.

Employment Ontario Wordmark

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