Fleming College

Back to School is not just for kids with Fleming’s Academic Upgrading program. Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program will celebrate the achievements of its students with a luncheon at the Frost Campus on Friday, August 28. The lunch will honour about 20 students from the campus who have successfully completed their upgrading requirements and are ready to enter post-secondary programs. The lunch will take place on Friday at 11 a.m. in Room 226 at the Frost Campus, 200 Albert St. S. in Lindsay. Students will receive a letter of congratulations.“ Getting ready to go back to school is not just for kids,” said Joyce McGuire, coordinator of Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading Program at Frost Campus. With employers looking for workers with specific skills or a college diploma, many adults are looking for ways to upgrade their qualifications or to qualify for an apprenticeship or college program. Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading Program can help get them on the road to achieving that goal. It offers upgrading in Mathematics, Communications, Biology and Chemistry to a grade 12 level, as well as courses in College Preparation, Career Exploration, and Basic Computer Skills. The Program is self-paced and can accommodate a flexible time-table, offering both full or half-days and some evening classes. The program provides a realistic solution for people who did not complete a high school diploma but want to move toward an apprenticeship, a better paying job, or a college post-secondary program, said McGuire.“ Many adults are intimidated by the thought of returning to a ‘school’ so we worked very hard to create a flexible program and a relaxed environment where students can work independently or receive direct help from the teacher. Adult students who did not finish high school often lack self-confidence in their ability but they return to school with greater motivation and a wealth of life experience. We want to help them experience success.” The Frost campus, in Lindsay is the perfect location for the adult learner. The campus is small and friendly and Upgrading students have full access to all college resources, such as computer labs, the library, the cafeteria, the student centre, and support services. Many local adult learners are taking full advantage of this Ontario Employment sponsored, tuition-free program. While completing their upgrading, students can explore the many certificate and diploma programs offered at Fleming College and talk to students and professors in these programs. Students who started in the Academic Upgrading Program and have gone on to a post-secondary program have reported they are happy they took this route. Preparing for college in a college setting has helped them to feel comfortable, learn what resources are available and how to get help, as well as knowing what will be expected of them once they start a full-time program. They learn how to use the college computers, libraries, and even have a chance to sit in on a lecture and take notes. For more information about how to get started call Suzanne Woods at 324-9144 ext. 3343. Students can start classes at any time.

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For more information:     Laura Copeland, Communications Officer, 705-749-5530 x 1370 or copeland@flemingc.on.ca