Georgian kicks off extended offerings for free adult upgrading at the South Georgian Bay Campus

Starting in September, it will be easier than ever to take advantage of free adult upgrading through the Academic and Career Preparation program at Georgian’s John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus in Collingwood. The campus is extending the number of its day and evening program offerings in response to increased student demand for upgrading services.

“There have always been people who couldn’t take classes because of their work schedules,” says Lynn Hynd, Campus Manager. “Offering more classes during the day and in the evening will offer flexibility to support our adult learners with work and family commitments. We can even work with them to create a customized schedule based on their specific upgrading needs. In addition, students may be eligible to receive financial support to make attending class possible.”

Flexible schedules will allow students to attend classes Monday to Thursday, with offerings between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Two evenings are available for science and two for math and communications.

Lynn adds that class locations are conveniently available in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach, and both locations are on municipal and Simcoe County Link bus routes.

“It’s important to get ready for college as early as possible,” says Lynn. “And September is actually the perfect time to start preparing for 2020 college intakes. Free academic upgrading courses can help students attain admission requirements, foundational skills, computer knowledge, and learn study strategies to help them be successful at college.”

She adds that students can take classes to refresh math, communications, biology, chemistry, and digital literacy skills. While the majority of academic upgrading students proceed to a college program, classes also support requirements for skilled trade and employment preparation.

This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario and through the Canada-Ontario Job Fund Agreement.

South Georgian Bay Campus student enrolment is up by 40 per cent this fall, with students entering programs in Office Administration – Health Services; Bookkeeping; Pre-health Sciences; Computer Programming; Social Service Worker; and Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Operations Management. In addition to fall offerings, the campus has openings in its Personal Support Worker program starting in January 2020.

Students can learn more about academic upgrading and Georgian programs at Get Help to Go Back, a free information session on Aug. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the South Georgian Bay Campus. Interested students can also call 705.445.2961, ext. 2912, email, or drop into the campus at 499 Raglan Street, Collingwood.