A mature woman and younger woman listening in a classroom with other students in the background

Academic and Career Preparation (ACP)

Accepting new students!

Academic and Career Preparation (ACP) is a free, goal-directed, flexible and supportive academic upgrading program. It accommodates the realities of daily life, while allowing you to bring your reading, writing, math and other essential skills up to a high-school level.

FREE Spring and Summer Ramp Up Courses

Starting a program at Georgian in September? Build or refresh your skills and prepare for college with our free, short Ramp Up courses.

Available online to incoming Georgian College students. Some in-person options available. See our flyers below for more details and contact information.

– Ramp Up to Math (Business and Technology stream)
Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m., May 27 to July 29

– Ramp Up to College
Thursdays, 6 to 9 p.m., May 29 to July 31

– Ramp Up to Computers
Mondays (final class moved to Tuesday), 9 a.m. start (see flyer for class end times), July 7 to Aug. 5

– Ramp Up to Human Services and Community Safety
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 9 p.m., July 15 to Aug. 14

On this page:

Contact your local ACP office
ACP student success stories
Student services
Map and directions
Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

Is Academic and Career Preparation right for me?

Academic and Career Preparation can help you to:

  • gain the confidence you need to succeed at work or school
  • meet requirements for entry into college or apprenticeship
  • get ready for testing for employment or college entrance, including the Communications Placement Assessment (CPA)
  • develop skills for success and computer skills to support your goals
  • improve your study strategies and likelihood of success in postsecondary
  • get high school equivalent credits
  • get a credential equivalent to a Grade 12 diploma

Eligibility requirements

You are invited to apply to the Academic and Career Preparation program if you are 18 or older and a resident of Ontario. Some applicants 16 to 17 years of age may also be eligible. Non-residents may register on a fee-paying basis.

Academic and Career Preparation is funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, providing free upgrading for eligible learners. There is no tuition fee for most applicants. Assistance with child care or travel costs may also be available.

Marco D'Intino
Without the help of the Academic and Career Preparation staff and instructors, I would not be where I am today. They not only offered me a hand up, which allowed me to go to college, but also provided me with the positive support I needed to succeed.—Marco D’Intino

By the numbers

100%of ACP courses prepare students for postsecondary or job success
1000+ACP graduates enrolled in a postsecondary institution in the last four years
77%of ACP graduates enrolled in a postsecondary program

Build your own plan

The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate is recognized as equivalent to a Grade 12 diploma by all Ontario colleges and many employers. ACE also meets the requirements for entrance into apprenticeships across the province.

The ACE certificate is made up of four credits, including mandatory courses.

Mandatory courses:

Any two of the following courses:

Student with hat on sitting at desk listening with 2 young women in the background

Degree Entrance courses

Complete Degree Entrance courses to meet Grade 12 (U) level admission requirements for Georgian College degree-level programs.

Government of Canada Logo
Employment Ontario logo
Ontario logo

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Other offerings and supports

Need a bit more help?

As a Georgian College student, you will benefit from all the supports available through our Student Success department, including counselling, accessibility supports, as well as learning strategies and technologies. We are here to support you before, during and after you attend Academic and Career Preparation.

Upgrade at a location near you. Academic and Career Preparation is available at all seven Georgian College campuses as well as in Huntsville, Newmarket, Shelburne and Wasaga Beach. Each location offers a welcome, safe and friendly environment.

ACE Online

Academic Career Entrance

Study online with ACE Distance.

Email: info@cscau.com

Community services directories

Simcoe County Skillforce Community Directory

Muskoka Skillforce Community Directory

Select a location below

Explore Academic and Career Preparation offerings by location.

Georgian College Barrie Campus

Barrie

Georgian College Midland Campus

Midland

Georgian College Muskoka Campus

Muskoka

Town of Newmarket logo

Newmarket

Georgian College Orangeville Campus in the fall

Orangeville

Georgian College Orillia Campus

Orillia

Photo of Owen Sound Campus from above

Owen Sound

Exterior shot of South Georgian Bay Campus in the spring

South Georgian Bay

Barrie

Courses

The following courses are available at the Barrie Campus:

Biology, Chemistry and Keys to Success are teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

*ACP students can take English for Degree Entrance (EDE), Data Management for Degree Entrance (DMDE), Biology for Degree Entrance (BDE) and Chemistry for Degree Entrance (CDE) to fulfil English, Math Biology and Chemistry requirements, respectively, for most Georgian degree programs.

Start dates

Most courses have monthly start dates, with the exception of Biology and Chemistry.

Workshops

Intro. to Office Admin.

This FREE workshop will provide you with a solid foundation in Microsoft Word, Excel and email supporting professional communication practices.

Introduction to 21st Century Skills

Intro to 21st Century Skills provides a starting point for exploring online training while boosting your employment skills in communication, collaboration and critical and creative thinking.

Ramp Ups

Ramp Ups are short, targeted courses designed to prepare you for success in postsecondary education.

Ramp Up to College

May 29 to July 31, 2025
Thursday evenings, 6 to 9 p.m., online

Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.

Ramp Up to Human Services and Community Safety

This Ramp Up provides valuable skills for success at college, particularly for those starting Human Services or Community Safety programs.

Ramp up to Math

Ramp Up to Math is a FREE comprehensive online refresher course that emphasizes problem solving in a guided, collaborative learning environment and focuses on algebra and technical math.

Apply for in-person or remote delivery in Barrie

Please contact us by phone or email:

Please note: our office is open for in-person services Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with service available by phone or email Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the backing and support of the Academic and Career Preparation staff and faculty.

—Stacey Flynn

Midland

Free prep courses include career planning and are a great way to explore your options.

Courses

The following courses are available in person in Midland:

*Evening classes also available

All courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

Endless Possibilities

  • Learn Microsoft Office to support employment and education
  • Set realistic objectives to move forward with employment and training goals
  • Build confidence and resources to achieve your next steps forward
  • Increase personal leadership in a respectful and empowering environment

Exploring Trades

  • Practise math and communication skills specific to trades
  • Learn about trade-specific programs and apprenticeship opportunities

Start dates

Start dates are on a continual basis during the academic year.

Workshops

Ramp Up to Pre-Apprenticeship

Ramp Up to Pre-Apprenticeship is a FREE workshop that helps you gain the skills needed to be successful in pre-apprenticeship programs.

Ramp Up to College

Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills
needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.

Excel Boost

This FREE workshop will help you gain confidence and skills in preparing spreadsheets for employment and postsecondary.

Intro. to Office Admin.

Introduction to Office Administration is a FREE course that will help you gain confidence and skills to work in office administration.

PowerPoint Boost

This FREE workshop will help you gain confidence and skills in preparing presentations for employment and postsecondary.

Ramp up to Math

Ramp Up to Math is a FREE comprehensive online refresher course that emphasizes problem solving in a guided, collaborative learning environment and focuses on algebra and technical math.

Pathways to the Trades

Pathways to the Trades allows you to explore if a career in skilled trades is right for you. During this FREE four-week program, you’ll have the opportunity to complete full-day workshops and learn about academic requirements and available career opportunities.

Apply for remote delivery

Georgian’s Academic and Career Preparation program helped me become a role model for my children. I am very excited for my happy ending.

—Patty Keith

Muskoka

Courses

The following courses are available at the Muskoka Campus:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computers
  • Communications
  • Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)

View the Academic and Career Preparation Flyer.

Start dates

All courses are continuous intake through on-site, remote and blended learning options. On-site classes are available at the Muskoka Campus in Bracebridge.

Workshops

Ramp Up to College

Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills
needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.

Information regarding upcoming Ramp Up to College intakes is coming soon!

Intro. to Office Admin.

This FREE workshop will help you gain the confidence and skills to succeed in an office administration role.

Skills for a Digital Workplace

This FREE workshop will help you gain skills needed to work in an office setting.

Excel Boost

This FREE workshop will help you gain confidence and skills in preparing spreadsheets for employment and postsecondary.

PowerPoint Boost

This FREE workshop will help you gain confidence and skills in preparing presentations for employment and postsecondary.

Ramp Up to Food Services

Ramp Up to Food Service Skills will provide you with training and certification in safe food handling, responsible service, customer service, and infection prevention and control. Earn industry standard certificates and digital badges.

Apply for remote delivery

Please contact us by phone or email:

Newmarket

Academic and Career Preparation (ACP) is now in Newmarket!

Courses

The following courses are available in Newmarket:

*ACP students can take English for Degree Entrance (EDE), Data Management for Degree Entrance (DMDE), Biology for Degree Entrance (BDE) and Chemistry for Degree Entrance (CDE) to fulfil English, Math Biology and Chemistry requirements, respectively, for most Georgian degree programs.

Start dates

All courses are continuous intake.

Workshops

Intro. to Office Admin.

This FREE workshop will provide you with a solid foundation in Microsoft Word, Excel and email supporting professional communication practices.

Introduction to 21st Century Skills

Intro to 21st Century Skills provides a starting point for exploring online training while boosting your employment skills in communication, collaboration and critical and creative thinking.

Ramp Ups

Ramp Ups are short, targeted courses designed to prepare you for success in postsecondary education.

Ramp Up to College

May 29 to July 31, 2025
Thursday evenings, 6 to 9 p.m., online

Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.

Ramp Up to Human Services and Community Safety

This Ramp Up provides valuable skills for success at college, particularly for those starting Human Services or Community Safety programs.

Ramp up to Math

Ramp Up to Math is a FREE comprehensive online refresher course that emphasizes problem solving in a guided, collaborative learning environment and focuses on algebra and technical math.

Apply for remote delivery

Please contact us by phone or email:

Orangeville

Courses

The following courses are available in Orangeville (OV) and Shelburne (SH):

  • Biology (OV, SH)
  • Chemistry (OV, SH)
  • Communications (OV)
  • LBS (Literacy and Basic Skills) (OV, SH) Mathematics, English
  • Mathematics (Core) (OV, SH)
  • Mathematics (Business, Technical) (OV)

Courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

Start dates

All courses are continuous intake with the exception of Pathways to Employment.

Apply for in-person or remote delivery in Orangeville

Please contact us by phone or email:

Orillia

Courses

The following courses are available at the Orillia Campus:

Keys to Success is teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

*ACP students can take English for Degree Entrance (EDE), Data Management for Degree Entrance (DMDE), Biology for Degree Entrance (BDE) and Chemistry for Degree Entrance (CDE) to fulfil English, Math Biology and Chemistry requirements, respectively, for most Georgian degree programs.

Start dates

All courses have monthly start dates.

Workshops

Intro. to Office Admin.

This FREE workshop will provide you with a solid foundation in Microsoft Word, Excel and email supporting professional communication practices.

Introduction to 21st Century Skills

Intro to 21st Century Skills provides a starting point for exploring online training while boosting your employment skills in communication, collaboration and critical and creative thinking.

Ramp Ups

Ramp Ups are short, targeted courses designed to prepare you for success in postsecondary education.

Ramp Up to College

May 29 to July 31, 2025
Thursday evenings, 6 to 9 p.m., online

Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.

Ramp Up to Human Services and Community Safety

This Ramp Up provides valuable skills for success at college, particularly for those starting Human Services or Community Safety programs.

Ramp up to Math

Ramp Up to Math is a FREE comprehensive online refresher course that emphasizes problem solving in a guided, collaborative learning environment and focuses on algebra and technical math.

Apply for in-person or remote delivery in Orillia

Please contact us by phone or email:

Please note: our office is open for in-person services Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with service available by phone or email Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Owen Sound

Courses

The following courses are available at the Owen Sound Campus:

Biology and Chemistry are teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

*ACP students can take English for Degree Entrance (EDE), Data Management for Degree Entrance (DMDE), Biology for Degree Entrance (BDE) and Chemistry for Degree Entrance (CDE) to fulfil English, Math Biology and Chemistry requirements, respectively, for most Georgian degree programs.

Start dates

Most courses have monthly start dates, with the exception of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Workshops

Intro. to Office Admin.

This FREE workshop will provide you with a solid foundation in Microsoft Word, Excel and email supporting professional communication practices.

Introduction to 21st Century Skills

Intro to 21st Century Skills provides a starting point for exploring online training while boosting your employment skills in communication, collaboration and critical and creative thinking.

Workshops

Ramp Up to Health Care

Ramp Up to Health Care is a FREE five-day workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills needed for success in health care-related college programs.

Ramp up to Math

Ramp Up to Math is a FREE comprehensive online refresher course that emphasizes problem solving in a guided, collaborative learning environment and focuses on algebra and technical mathematics.

Ramp Up to Computers

Build or refresh critical computer skills for workplace and postsecondary success. Learn to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Familiarize yourself with APA formatting and Georgian’s online student systems. Attend all modules or whichever would most benefit you.

Ramp Up to College

May 29 to July 31, 2025
Thursday evenings, 6 to 9 p.m., online

Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills
needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.

Apply for in-person or remote delivery in Owen Sound

Please contact us by phone or email:

Please note: our office is open for in-person services Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with service available by phone or email Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

South Georgian Bay

Courses

Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Credits

The following courses are available at the South Georgian Bay Campus serving the areas of Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Clearview and the Town of The Blue Mountains:

View the Academic and Career Preparation flyer

College Planning and Preparation

Ramp Up to College provides a solid foundation in study strategies, memory techniques, assignment preparation, and college resources. This course will help prepare you to effectively use your time in college.

Career Pathways will help you develop a career plan that considers the steps you need for lifelong learning and employment in your community.

Employment Preparation

Introduction to 21st Century Skills provides a starting point for exploring online training while boosting your employment skills in communication, collaboration and critical and creative thinking.

Introduction to Office Administration will provide you with a solid foundation in Microsoft Word, Excel and email supporting professional communication practices.

Skills for a Digital Workplace will provide you with a solid foundation in Microsoft Teams, online applications, and social media platforms.

PowerPoint Boost will help you prepare dynamic presentations.

Start dates and locations

Classes are offered on a continual basis through on-site, remote, and blended learning options. Onsite classes are available at the campus in Collingwood, the Wasaga Beach Public Library and Career Solutions in Wasaga Beach.

Apply for in-person or remote delivery

Please contact us by phone or email: