Program Overview

Employment and Community Studies (EACS) Program

The EACS Program is designed for students with diverse learning needs that hinder educational success. The courses and learning experiences in our program will prepare students for lifelong learning, employment, and community engagement opportunities. Students will participate in hands-on and work-integrated learning opportunities.

Courses

• EACS 0010 Employability Skills
• EACS 0020 Career Exploration
• EACS 0021 Work Experience
• EACS 0022 Introduction to Disability Rights
• EACS 0023 Social Justice in Action

Within each of these courses, we focus on employability, social justice, communication, advocacy, and technology.

Program Details

Since 1981, KPU has offered an Accessible Education and Training (AET) program focused on employability skill development and career exploration. The former program was called Access Program for People with Disabilities. Every year, over 60 APPD students have taken either – Job Preparation, Work Exploration, or Vocational Skills Training.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this hands-on experiential program moved to operate online. This change made it possible to redesign how ASE was offered. EACS is the new program, still with a focus on employability skill development but with a broader range of courses that focus on lifelong learning and community engagement as well.

We now offer both on-campus courses at three of our KPU campuses: Langley, Richmond, and Surrey, and some online courses.

Admission Requirements

• Attend an EACS Program Information Session (REQUIRED)
• Request a chat with an EACS instructor
• OR
• Apply online to KPU for the EACS Program
• Attend a Program Interview with an EACS instructor
• Receive an Offer of Admission into the EACS program by email
• Apply for the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG)
• OR
• Pay your Confirmation Deposit
• Receive assistance in using your Online Self-Service portal and setting up your student email account
• Register for your classes online - assistance is available

Tuition Fees

• If you wish to take 15 credits to achieve a Citation (Certificate) in the Employment & Community Studies (EACS) Program, tuition fees are approximately $2,800.
• Base Tuition fees for a 3-credit course are approximately $560, and a 6-credit course is approximately $1,120.
• Additional Student fees are also charged. See KPU's Tuition Estimator link.

Funding

Eligible students have access to the Adult Upgrading Grant to cover program fees. The Student Awards and Financial Services Department and the Access Programs Department will assist in the student's application.

Career Outcomes

Through the EACS program, students will gain knowledge that will strengthen their abilities and possibilities for lifelong learning, employment, and community engagement in, for example:

• Community Service
• Retail and Customer Service
• Personal Service
• Manufacturing and Warehouse Service
• Restaurant and Food Service
• Business and Administration
• Entrepreneurship
• Volunteerism
• Further training and coursework

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend the EACS program?

EACS is open for students with diverse learning needs that hinder educational success, and who meet the admission requirements for this program.

Can I attend part-time?

Yes, the EACS courses can be taken independently.

How many students does EACS take a semester?

Each class may have up to 12 students, except the EACS 0021 Work Experience course, which accepts up to 16 students per section. The number of classes will vary in each semester, both online or on campus.

What are the entrance requirements for EACS?

Attend an EACS Program Information Session (in-person or online)

Interview with one of our program instructors to determine:

• Fit for the academic program
• Satisfactory English ability as assessed according to departmental guidelines

What are the departmental guidelines?

• Able to travel in community independently
• Able to navigate the university campus independently
• Able to complete assignments and activities
• Able to use email and course learning platforms (e.g., Moodle, Pebble Pad, Zoom)
• Able to understand and respond to directions and questions

What is the cost for the program?

• If you wish to take 15 credits to achieve a Citation (Certificate) in the Employment & Community Studies (EACS) Program, tuition fees are approximately $2,800.
• Base Tuition fees for a 3-credit course are approximately $560, and a 6-credit course is approximately $1,120.
• Additional Student fees are also charged. See KPU's Tuition Estimator link.

What funding is available for this program?

Eligible students have access to the Adult Upgrading Grant to cover program fees. The Student Awards and Financial Services Department and the Access Programs Department will assist in the student's application.

How do I apply?

Step 1 - Attend an EACS Information Session

Step 2 - Apply to KPU for the Employment & Community Studies Program - you will receive instructions once you have attended an EACS Information Session

Step 3 - Once you have applied, you will receive an invitation to attend an interview with one of our EACS instructors - it more like a conversation to check that this program is a good fit for the student.

Step 4 - If accepted, then the Admissions Department will contact you to let you know of a deadline date to either:

• Pay a $500 Confirmation Deposit
• OR
• Apply for the Adult Upgrading Grant to cover all your tuition fees - we will be sending you instructions on how to do either of these tasks

Step 5 - Students will receive an email from the Office of the Registrar informing when they can register for their classes

What are the employment opportunities after completing the EACS program?

Through this program, students will gain knowledge that will strengthen their employability skills. They may have the opportunity to complete a work experience in one or two of these areas:

• Community Service
• Retail and Customer Service
• Personal Service – ex. Child care
• Manufacturing and Warehouse Service
• Restaurant and Food Service
• Business and Administration
• Entrepreneurship
• Landscaping and Gardening

If I need more information, whom do I contact?

If you have further questions following attending one of our EACS Information Sessions, please call either our Access Programs Department Assistant, Malvis Okika at , or the Future Students Office at , or connect directly with the Student Recruitment Coordinator, Brooks Lewis at ,

How do I register for my courses?

Successful applicants will receive an email from KPU letting them know when they can register for their courses. The Access Programs Department will assist with registration if needed. Or you can go to the KPU.ca website and select the Registration Guide.

Can I withdraw from my program?

KPU has a policy and procedure for anyone wishing to withdraw from their program.

Do I need textbooks?

Our Employment & Community Studies (EACS) Program seeks to reduce any financial barriers that our students may face, and so no, our EACS courses do not require textbooks.