ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Algonquin College Pembroke Campus Advances Pathways for Military-Connected Learners

Algonquin College has received $60,000 in provincial funding through the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) to lead a new initiative that will streamline Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for military-connected learners, with a strong focus on those served through the College's Pembroke Campus. 

The project, Streamlining Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for Military-Connected Learners, recognizes the extensive skills, competencies and leadership experience gained through military training and service. By improving how this prior learning is assessed and recognized, the initiative will help military-connected learners transition more efficiently into postsecondary programs and credentials. 

Algonquin College's Pembroke Campus has a long-standing relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces and military families, positioning it as a natural hub for this work. The project will support clearer, more consistent pathways that allow learners to receive appropriate academic recognition for their experience, reducing duplication, time to completion and barriers to postsecondary education. 

"Our relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces community has always been deeply rooted in shared experience and mutual support," said Angela Rintoul, Dean of Algonquin College's Pembroke Campus. "That commitment was formalized through the 2023 Memorandum of Collaboration with Garrison Petawawa and continues to guide how we tailor our programming and support for current and former military members. It's reflected in tangible actions, like expanding our Canadian Armed Forces Day on campus from once a year to three times annually, and in our ongoing efforts to open more doors for service members as they transition into civilian careers and post-secondary education." 

The funding was announced as part of ONCAT's 2025-26 investment of $1.94 million supporting 27 projects across Ontario's public colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes. 

"In the face of economic uncertainty, our colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes are key to building one of the most innovative workforces in the G7," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "Through our investments into the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), our government is ensuring that future graduates have access to postsecondary education pathways that get them into the workforce faster and drive Ontario's key sectors." 

By streamlining PLAR processes for military-connected learners, Algonquin College aims to ensure that prior training and experience are consistently understood, fairly evaluated and transparently applied across relevant programs. The work is designed to be scalable, with tools and practices that may be adopted by other postsecondary institutions across Ontario. 

"ONCAT brings together colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes to drive collaboration and harness efficiencies that make it easier for learners to navigate and succeed in Ontario's postsecondary system," said Dr. Adrienne Galway, President and CEO of ONCAT. "These projects will develop effective practices that can be replicated across postsecondary institutions, rapidly expanding the options for learners to earn postsecondary credentials, pivot career directions and transition to the labour market." 

For a complete overview of ONCAT-funded institutional projects, visit oncat.ca.