Learner Recognition Day for Students at Confederation College
THUNDER BAY – EDUCATION – Confederation College celebrated and recognized the accomplishments of more than 200 students from its Academic Upgrading program today with a formal ceremony. Students were presented with certificates, awards and bursaries in recognition of their completion of academic upgrading courses. 11 students received Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificates, provincially recognized as a Grade 12 equivalent.
The Academic Upgrading program offers an individualized approach to learning and prepares students to meet their educational, apprenticeship, and/or employment goals. The program focuses on upgrading mathematics, communications, biology, chemistry, physics and computer skills. Following the completion of the preparatory courses, students can gain direct entry into post-secondary programs and apprenticeships, and/or earn their Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE) which is a provincially recognized equivalent to Grade 12.
Each year, approximately 85 graduates from the Academic Upgrading program go on to post-secondary education at Confederation College
Glenda Foster, an Academic Upgrading student recognized today, is currently enrolled in her first year of the Business – Human Resources program at Confederation College. She was the recipient of the Self Management/Self Direction award for achieving the highest mark in her class. “I can’t say enough about Academic Upgrading, especially for someone my age,” she said. “You get a taste of college life without the stress of being in your first year of a post-secondary program. Everything from the courses themselves to the teachers, is designed for you to succeed. I have easily connected with my teachers; they are my cheering section.”
Michael Watson, who earned his Academic and Career Entrance certificate, provincially recognized as a Grade 12 equivalent, also was the recipient of an entrance bursary today. Michael is currently enrolled in his first year of the Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technology program. “Academic Upgrading is very affordable but how much you learn is worth thousands,” he said. “It’s structured to be more hands on, you get to work at your own pace, it’s flexible and it really prepares you for next steps in your education and career.”
President Jim Madder offered his congratulations to all students recognized at the ceremony. “These students have worked very hard to get to this point and we couldn’t be more proud of them,” he said. “These courses prepare them for the next steps in their educational journey and ultimately their careers. A large number of students go on to enroll in a variety of our College programs, and they have proven to be extremely successful within their chosen field of study.”
Recognition Day is a highlight of the academic year as Confederation College showcases the accomplishments, dedication and success of these learners who are from Thunder Bay and throughout the region. A number of awards, certificates and bursaries were presented along with academic achievement and leadership awards.