Georgian College receives funding to develop AI-powered tool recognizing military training

Nov. 7, 2025

Barrie, Ont. –  Georgian College is helping make the journey from military service to student life smoother for those who’ve served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Georgian will receive $55,000 from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) to support a new applied research project that uses artificial intelligence and design innovation to better recognize the skills and experience gained during military service as postsecondary credits.

The announcement is part of the Ontario government’s $520,000 investment to expand Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) opportunities at six colleges and universities across the province.

Read the Government of Ontario’s official announcement

ONCAT, established by the Government of Ontario in 2011, helps students move more easily between postsecondary institutions by supporting credit transfer and pathway initiatives. Through its PLAR projects, ONCAT works to ensure learners receive recognition for their previous learning and experience, helping them complete programs more efficiently and build on what they already know.

Developed through a collaboration between Georgian’s Research and Innovation team, the Computer Studies and the Design and Visual Arts departments, the project will create a digital tool that connects Canadian Armed Forces training and experience with Georgian course outcomes.

A multidisciplinary team of students from the Computer Programming, Artificial Intelligence, and Design and Visual Arts programs will lead the platform’s development and interface design — blending technology, creativity and compassion to help military-connected learners find new pathways to education.

The project builds on Georgian’s proud reputation as a military-connected college, supporting those who have served by reducing barriers, easing transitions and ensuring the valuable skills developed through military service are fully recognized within Ontario’s postsecondary system.

Quotes:

“Georgian is honoured to take part in this important initiative supporting military-connected learners and those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Experiential learning is central to who we are as a college, and this project builds on that strength by helping translate real-world military experience into academic credit. It’s a meaningful way to recognize the leadership, dedication and skill these individuals bring to our classrooms, communities and to Ontario’s growing workforce.” – Kevin Weaver, Georgian College President and CEO

“Our students are future problem-solvers, and this project truly reflects that mindset. By combining innovation, design and technology, we’re creating a tool that helps military-connected learners fast-track their transition into postsecondary education. It recognizes the valuable skills they’ve gained through service and helps them continue their journey — building on their experience to reach new goals in their education and careers.”  – Dr. Rebecca Sabourin, Dean of Engineering, Environmental Technologies and Skilled Trades