The Harrisburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, is offering a new GED Fast Track program that requires only a one-month commitment to obtain the equivalent to a high school diploma instead of the regular eight or twelve week course offerings. Ninety-five percent of American colleges, universities and employers consider the GED as an equivalent to a high school diploma.

"Our GED Fast Track program is a month long GED (General Educational Development) course," said Dr. Lori Fair, dean, HACC Adult Basic Education and Developmental Studies Division. "Participants are placed into our Fast Track classes if they achieve a cutoff score applicable to register for this course. Students who require a brief instructional overview prior to taking the official GED test, can now register for this course."

Cost is $60, and GED testing is built into the schedule. At the conclusion of the program, students will have taken all five tests and must successfully pass all five in order to receive the GED.

"The GED provides the pathway for lifelong learning," said Fair. "There are many reasons people take the GED tests such as to enter post secondary schools, vocational or training programs, for employment purposes or personal satisfaction. The final session is in job search strategies, employability skills and the Next Step orientation."

GED Fast Track classes begin Saturday, Aug. 26 at HACC's Harrisburg Campus. Students are required to attend an orientation prior to Aug. 26. Class will be held on four Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., then four weekdays from either 10 a.m. to noon or 6-8 p.m.

The stigma that once was attached to the GED credential is no more.

Some of the most well-known GED graduates include comedian Bill Cosby, actors Michael J. Fox and Christian Slater, former ABC news anchor Peter Jennings, Olympic medal-winning gymnast Mary Lou Retton, entertainer Jessica Simpson, Wendy's restaurant founder Dave Thomas, NASA astronaut F. Story Musgrave and former president of Florida A&M University Dr. Walter Smith.

They are among the more than 15 million who have received the GED since its inception during World War II as a way of helping veterans become eligible for postsecondary education without having to return to high school to earn a diploma.

Information may be obtained by calling the college at 717-780-2650 or 717-780-1117. Information on HACC's other degree, certificate and diploma programs is available by accessing HACC's home page by clicking the Website below.