Academic Upgrading

College Preparation for Adults

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 19 years of age or mature early school leavers. All applicants are tested and interviewed in order to determine program suitability and student entry level.

Program Description

Academic and Pre-College:

The Academic Upgrading/College Preparatory Program is a FREE academic upgrading program sponsored by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. This program provides intensive instruction to upgrade English and Mathematics skills to the level required for college eligibility. Career counselling and instruction in computer skills are also provided. All applicants will complete a program orientation prior to starting classes.

ACE Certificate:

Successful completion of four advanced level subjects, including EAC 149 and a 09-series Math, renders student eligible to receive the Seneca College Academic and Career Entrance (A.C.E.) Certificate.

Literacy Options

Academic Preparation for Students with Disabilities:

Literacy Options is a program of academic upgrading for persons over the age of 19 with an identified disability, delivered by Seneca College in partnership with: Ontario March of Dimes and The Toronto District School Board.

Program Highlights

An educational/pre-vocational program based on the individual learner’s objectives and needs. Full and part-time training available, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The program is delivered on a continuous intake basis in a convenient location at the March of Dimes facility near Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue. Enjoy a small teacher/learner ratio and work at your own pace. Opportunities exist to join in special activities such as job or educational fairs.

Learners may qualify for additional support in their search for employment or post-secondary training. Take full advantage of a modern computer laboratory with the latest software and assistive devices. Free transit tickets are available to qualifying learners.

Start Dates

The program is offered on a continuous intake basis. For more information or to book an appointment for testing, please call:

• (416) 491-5050, ext. 6620
  for programs at the Newnham site
  (Don Mills/Finch)
   
• (905) 898-6199, ext. 228
  (905) 773-7141, ext. 228 (Toronto Line)
  for programs at the Newmarket site
  (Yonge/Mulock)
   
• (905) 201-8662
  for programs at the Markham East site
  (Hwy 7/Markham-Hwy 48)
   
• (416) 425-3463, ext. 270
  for Literacy Options at the Ontario March of Dimes
  (Don Mills/Overlea Blvd)
   
• (905) 780-9622, ext. 356
  for programs at the Richmond Hill site
  (Bayview/Elgin Mills)
   
• (416) 293-3722
  for programs at the Scarborough site
  (Midland/McNicoll)
   
• (416) 491-5050, ext. 4772
  for programs at YorkGate site
  (Jane/Finch)

Special Funding

Limited funding for trainee costs related to transportation and child care may be available to eligible trainees through a Special Support Allowance. Applications are accepted at each site.

The Importance of Learning Skills

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Curriculum

Student timetables may include subjects at a variety of levels determined during an entrance assessment. Completion of specific pre-requisites is required for some courses. Progress to the next level requires demonstration of mastery or a 70% course average.