Academic Upgrading

Grades 1-6 (Grant-Funded)

Helps adults improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Employability, professionalism, and essential skills are taught to help learners find entry-level employment.  It is ideal for individuals who lack work experience and have less than 7 years of education.

Grades 7-9 (Grant-Funded)

Helps adult learners improve their English, mathematics, and computer skills for entry into the workforce.  It is ideal for mid-skilled learners who are looking to improve their employment status and return to work. Students at this level may also use the courses to prepare for entry into some training programs or entry into high school classes.

Grades 10-12 (Grant-funded or Self-Pay)

Helps adult learners enter college or university programs.  It is ideal for individuals who are interested in improving their high school marks in order to meet the entry requirements for post-secondary programs.

It is strongly recommended that online learners have:

• Daily access to a reliable computer (Windows Pc recommended) for the full duration of the class.
• Reliable internet service with high-speed internet. A cable connection is recommended 
• A comfortable chair
• A workspace away from distractions
• A working microphone and video camera
• Earphones or earbuds (optional)
• Childcare in place

Grades 1-6

Mature Admission Only

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 3-5
• Achieve Grades 1-6 scores on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics

Grades 7-9

Mature Admission Only

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5-7
• Achieve Grades 7-9 scores on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics

Grades 10-12

Standard Admission

• A recent Canadian high school transcript (within the last 2 years.  Some conditions may apply.)

OR

Mature Admission

• Achieve Grades 10-12 scores on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics

This program is funded by Alberta Human Services. Students may be eligible to receive financial assistance to attend part-time or full-time studies. 

To qualify for grant funding, applicants must:

• be an Alberta resident and currently residing full-time in the province (or address in city of Lloydminster)
• be unemployed or marginally employed
• be committed to seeking employment
• meet citizenship requirements (e.g., Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee) and be legally entitled to work and train in Canada

Grades 1-9

• English, Writer’s Workshop, and Mathematics.
• Learn and practice professional behaviours and the 9 essential skills regularly used in the North American workplace
• Learn how to target your resume and conduct a successful job search
• Receive individualized job search coaching and support from an Employment Specialist
• Apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations while attending 5 weeks of work experience

Grades 10-12

• In consultation with the Principal of Academic Upgrading, develop an educational plan and select courses that meet the entry requirements of the College or University program of interest.
• Course Selection:
  • Biology 20 and 30
  • Chemistry 20 and 30
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS) (Individualized Program Plan required)
  • English Language Arts 10-1, 10-2, 20-1, 20-2, 30-1, and 30-2
  • Mathematics 10-C, 10-3, 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3
  • Psychology 20
  • Science 10, 20, and 30
  • Social Studies 10-1, 10-2, 20-1, 20-2, 30-1, and 30-2