Community Literacy of Ontario - Our Voice newsletter - April 2007 issue

Community Literacy of Ontario

Our Voice

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Academic Upgrading Partnerships

Funding for Academic Upgrading Partnerships (AUP) was first announced in the Ontario Budget in 2004. The AUP is “intended to help early school leavers develop the literacy, numeracy and essential skills required for entry into and success in college postsecondary and apprenticeship.” (Source: LBS letter of September 18, 2006).

In the fall of 2006, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) introduced a partnership approach to help Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs more actively participate in AUP. This partnership approach encourages shared delivery among colleges, school boards and community organizations. The funding announcement limited participation to current LBS deliverers for the 2006-7 fiscal year.

Prior to MTCU’s 2006 announcement, academic upgrading was delivered by all 24 Ontario Community Colleges using the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) curriculum. Under the AUP, MTCU hopes to increase access to academic upgrading for “underserved and under-represented groups including first generation learners, Aboriginal and Francophone learners, persons with disabilities and remote/rural learners.” (Source: LBS Funding Guidelines for Academic Upgrading Partnerships, September 18, 2006).

All MTCU information pertaining to the Academic Upgrading Partnership initiative can be found in the Info-LBS discussion group on AlphaCom in letters dated September 18, 2006 and March 27, 2007. Literacy agencies can also contact their MTCU program consultant for more information.

In this newsletter, Community Literacy of Ontario is pleased to:

  • Provide background information on AUP
  • Overview Phase 1 and Phase 2 of AUP
  • Share information on partnership agreements
  • Give “quick facts” on ACE
  • Share information on five successful AUP partnerships