Workers who have been laid off from their jobs can take advantage of educational and training opportunities at no cost through a new program at Harrisburg Area Community College. In response to the economic climate that has resulted in increased unemployment in the region, the HACC Board of Trustees today passed a resolution approving tuition assistance for displaced workers.

"HACC's mission is to be responsive to the needs of the community," said HACC President Dr. Edna V. Baehre. "By waiving the tuition for individuals who have recently lost their jobs due to economic circumstances, we hope to provide them with the education and job skills they need to re-enter the workforce and be successful."

"I congratulate President Baehre and the Harrisburg Area Community College Board of Trustees for taking this important step to help Pennsylvanians respond to hard economic times," Gov. Mark Schweiker said. "Their leadership and this action is a critical contribution to my commitment to workforce development, which is essential to leading Pennsylvania toward economic recovery."

HACC's Tuition Assistance for Unemployed Workers, which goes into effect immediately, will enable displaced workers to register as early as this week for spring semester courses. Eligible students can take up to a maximum of 12 credit hours per semester free of charge, on a space available basis. Or, they may pursue job training through selected noncredit programs offered by HACC's Workforce and Economic Development Division. The program is available at all of HACC's four campuses, in Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Lancaster, and Lebanon.

To be eligible for tuition assistance, displaced workers must be:

• Residents of Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill, or York counties
• Employed full-time during 2001 or 2002 as a non-seasonal, permanent employee
• Laid off indefinitely on or after 9/1/2001 due to economic climate of the business/company (such as permanent closure, reduction in labor force, liquidation, merger, bankruptcy, etc.)
• Currently unemployed and not receiving any alternative tuition assistance

Tuition waivers will be in effect for the calendar year 2002 spring, summer and fall semesters. To assist qualifying students, HACC is waiving the admission application fee. Students will be responsible for other course fees, books and supplies.

For more information about credit programs, potential participants can contact the admissions office of HACC at (717) 780-2337 or send an e-mail inquiry to TAUW@hacc.edu. For noncredit courses through HACC's Workforce and Economic Development Division call (717) 780-3213, or email at wdgordon@hacc.edu.