Life changing career options at St. Clair

A program at St. Clair College is giving adults another opportunity for post-secondary education.

The Academic and Career Entrance program is helping hundreds of adults each year achieve their goal of attending college. Instructors at A.C.E. teach students the equivalent of a Grade 12 education. Many adults arrive at the program looking for an opportunity to pursue college for the first time to try and find a second career after being laid off.

Holly Diloreto has been running the program successfully since 2006.

“My favourite part of the job is the students,” said Diloreto. “Every student who comes here works hard. They have the motivation to get through the program as soon as they come in the door.”

There are two types of adult upgrading students can receive in the program. College and Employment Prep focuses on basic language and math skills. The Academic and Career Entrance program offers Grade 12 equivalent courses in math, English, biology, chemistry and physics. Students can take the A.C.E credits and use them in any college in Ontario with the only exception being collaborative programs with universities.

The program also offers a variety of options to help working families maintain their busy lives. A.C.E Distance is one option students can take online or if learning in a class is more efficient they can also use the Thames campus for evening classes.

“If you go to St. Michaels, you are going to get a standard Grade 12 curriculum that will go on your Ontario Secondary Diploma,” said Diloreto. “Our courses are designed for college admission. We approach it just like you were taking a post-secondary course. We get you settled on Blackboard and you get the same experiences you would get in college.”

Stephanie DeFranceschi, a biology and chemistry instructor at A.C.E., said she enjoys engaging the students to encourage them participation.

“When Holly asked me if I wanted to teach in this department I really felt like I could make a difference,” said DeFranceschi. “It’s not just a formal education, it is about the visuals and tactile style of learning. Adult learners need to see the relevance right away.”

Based on success reports at the A.C.E building from April 2014 to March 2015, from an average of 400 new and returning students, over 150 students went on to college programs. DeFranceschi said they follow up with students in six months to a year after they leave the program to make sure they have the skills and tools they need to be successful.

Amy Klyiard has been a learning technologist at A.C.E since 2008. She takes care of the students’ day to day needs. Klyiard said because it is a ministry-funded program they have the budget available to help assist students whether it is with a gas allowance or a bus pass.

“The success of the students depends on the environment we have created here,” said Klyiard. “Walking in the door you are welcomed with a nurturing atmosphere that lets our students know they are not only cared about, but accepted. When they are successful, we feel good because we helped them achieve their goals. Their success is our success.”