Are you looking to start your journey towards higher education or a fulfilling career in Ontario? The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program is designed to provide you with the essential academic skills and recognized credentials needed to succeed. This comprehensive program, widely recognized across Ontario, serves as a Grade 12 equivalency for college admissions and is valued by employers as meeting their minimum hiring standards.
The ACE program at Algonquin College offers a flexible and supportive learning environment to help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Whether you need to upgrade your skills for college entry or enhance your employability, the ACE program provides a personalized learning plan to meet your specific needs. With continuous intake throughout the year, you can begin your studies at a time that suits you best, with both full-time and part-time options available at the Ottawa and Pembroke campuses.
Program Overview: Preparing You for Success
The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate program is a 24-week College Certificate program offered by Algonquin College’s Academic Access Centre. It falls under the Community and Social Services area of interest and is primarily delivered at the Ottawa campus, with options available at the Pembroke campus and part-time studies in Ottawa.
This program is not eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, focusing instead on providing foundational skills for further education and employment within Ontario. The ACE program distinguishes itself by offering:
- Academic Upgrading Courses: Tailored courses to strengthen your skills in areas needed for college programs or direct employment.
- Grade 12 Equivalency: Earning the ACE certificate provides you with a credential equivalent to a high school diploma, recognized by all Ontario colleges.
- Flexible Start Dates: Continuous intake allows you to begin the program in any month of the year, offering unparalleled flexibility.
- Personalized Learning Plans: Based on placement tests and your goals, an orientation team will assist you in creating a customized learning plan.
- Varied Study Options: Choose between full-time or part-time studies and select from different timetable options to fit your life.
The duration to complete the ACE program varies based on your initial skill level, desired academic or career objectives, and your learning pace. The program is designed to be self-paced, allowing you to progress as you master each module.
ACE Certificate: Your Key to Further Education and Employment
To earn the ACE Certificate, you must successfully complete specific core courses along with elective options:
Mandatory Courses:
- ENL5958 College Preparation Communication or ENL0076 Communications: Preparation for Degree Programs: These courses focus on developing essential communication skills for academic and professional settings.
- MAT5951 Intermediate Mathematics: This course provides a solid foundation in mathematics, crucial for college-level studies and various careers.
Elective Courses: You will also choose two elective courses with departmental approval, allowing for some specialization based on your interests and goals. A wide range of elective courses are available, spanning from computer skills to specialized mathematics and science subjects, ensuring a well-rounded academic upgrade.
Course Highlights: Skills You Will Develop
The ACE program curriculum is designed to equip you with practical and theoretical knowledge across various disciplines. Here are some highlighted courses that are part of the ACE program:
- DAT0110 Computer Skills: In today’s digital age, computer literacy is paramount. This course provides foundational skills in word processing, file management, presentation software, and spreadsheet operations. You will also become proficient with Brightspace, Algonquin College’s learning management system, essential for navigating college coursework.
- ENL5958 College Preparation Communication: Effective communication is at the heart of academic and career success. This course focuses on enhancing your writing, note-taking, summarizing, and resume preparation skills. It also emphasizes self-directed learning and understanding personal success factors.
- MAT5951 Intermediate Mathematics: This course builds a robust foundation in mathematics, covering number sense, integers, rational numbers, linear and non-linear relations, exponents, polynomials, modeling with equations, and data management. It is accepted as a math prerequisite for programs requiring MBF3C.
- MAT0001 College Preparation Mathematics – Technical: Tailored for those entering technical fields, this course focuses on linear relations, systems, quadratic relations, expressions, equations, and trigonometry of right triangles. It fulfills the math prerequisite for technician/technology programs at Algonquin College requiring MAP4C and MCF3M.
- MAT5957 Fundamental Mathematics: This course is designed to strengthen fundamental math skills essential for everyday life and further studies. It covers whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, the metric system, measurement, and order of operations.
In addition to these, a variety of other elective courses are available, including:
- DAT5959 Keyboarding
- ENL0076 Communications: Preparation for Degree Programs
- ENL5952 Communication 5
- MAT0010 College Preparation Mathematics – Business
- MAT0030 Mathematics Fundamentals for Apprenticeship Preparation
- MAT0034 Degree Preparation Math – Data Management
- MAT5952 College Preparation Mathematics – Technology
- MAT5964 Fundamental Mathematics for Preparation for Health Science
- SCI5952 College Preparation Biology
- SCI5953 College Preparation Chemistry
- SSC5727 Success Strategies
Is the ACE Program Right for You? Success Factors
The ACE program is an excellent choice if you possess the following qualities and are ready to commit to your education:
- Goal-Oriented: You are ready to define and pursue your future academic and career goals.
- Motivated and Hardworking: You are willing to dedicate effort and demonstrate consistent progress in your studies.
- Committed to Regular Attendance: You are prepared to attend classes regularly, whether in person or in a remote learning environment.
- Independent Learner: You are capable of working effectively independently and managing your study time.
Career Pathways and Further Education
The ACE certificate opens doors to numerous pathways. Primarily, it prepares you for admission into college programs at Algonquin College and other Ontario colleges. It is recognized as a Grade 12 equivalent, satisfying the academic entry requirements for many diploma and certificate programs.
Furthermore, the ACE certificate enhances your employability. Many employers recognize it as meeting their minimum educational standards, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
To explore specific pathway options from the ACE program to further studies at Algonquin College, you can utilize the Pathways tool available on the Algonquin College website.
Tuition and Fees: Investing in Your Future
Investing in your education is an investment in your future. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on tuition and related fees for the ACE program, please refer to the Tuition and Fee Estimator tool on the Algonquin College website.
Key points regarding tuition and fees for the 2024/2025 academic year:
- Free Tuition for Eligible Ontario Residents: Ontario residents who qualify for financial assistance under the Institution-Funded Special Bursary or Literacy and Basic Skills programs may have their tuition fully covered.
- Financial Assistance Available: Support may also be available to assist with travel and childcare costs, making education more accessible.
- No-Cost Course Materials: Students benefit from access to course materials without any additional costs, reducing financial barriers.
- Fees Subject to Change: Please note that all fees are subject to change, and it is recommended to verify the latest fee schedule through the official Algonquin College resources.
For detailed fee information and payment options, visit the Registrar’s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Admission Requirements: Are You Eligible?
To be eligible for the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program, applicants must meet both college eligibility and program eligibility criteria.
College Eligibility:
- Applicants must be 19 years of age or older.
Program Eligibility:
- An initial English reading assessment is required to determine suitability for the Academic Upgrading program. This assessment ensures that the program is the right fit for your current skill level and learning needs.
Admissions Next Steps provides further guidance on the application process and what to expect after applying.
Additional Program Information and Resources
For more in-depth information and resources related to the ACE program, please refer to the following:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Requirements: BYOD Specifications outlines the device requirements for the program, ensuring you have the necessary technology for your studies.
- Archived Program Information: Archived Program Monographs provides access to historical program details.
- Academic Calendar: Algonquin College Academic Calendar contains important dates, deadlines, and academic regulations.
- Program Overview PDF: ACE Program PDF offers a downloadable program summary for your convenience.
The ACE program is offered at Algonquin College’s Ottawa (Woodroffe) and Pembroke campuses, as well as the ACElinks location in downtown Ottawa (John Howard Society). While the core learning outcomes are consistent across all locations, elective course availability may vary.
It is important to note that Academic Upgrading courses are delivered in both remote and in-person classroom settings, typically with up to 30 students. These courses follow a structured curriculum with expected learning outcomes and timelines. If you require significant learning modifications or adaptive programming, it is recommended to discuss your needs with the program coordinators to ensure the ACE program can effectively support your learning style.
Algonquin College actively collaborates with literacy service providers in Ottawa and Renfrew counties. In some cases, applicants may be referred to alternative literacy service programs that might be better suited to their individual requirements.
The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program at Algonquin College is your stepping stone to a brighter future in college and your chosen career path. Take the first step today and unlock your potential in Ontario!
