"We're pleased to be able to offer this tuition assistance to people who have lost their jobs" said HACC's Kathy Wildauer. "We've put the money into a program called H.E.A.P.-HACC Education Assistance Program - and we're working hard to give it away."
Under the program, individuals who have been laid off or downsized after January 1, 2005, can qualify for up to $2,500 in tuition benefits per semester with another $600 for books.
To be eligible, recipients must live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Junianta, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry or York Counties. In addition, the job training program must be on the Statewide Training Program/HACC List available from CareerLink.
"There's quite a bit of variety on that list," Wildauer said. "And, you can choose between updating skills for your current profession or training for a new job."
Wildauer, who is coordinating the program for HACC, said that the maximum length of a training program is two years and 30 credits per year.
"That's enough to get within a credit or two of an associate's degree and it's more than enough for our diploma and certificate programs," she said.
Many of HACC's diploma and certificate programs can be completed in a year or less and many give you all the training you need to enter some of today's hottest professions.
Wildauer also noted that - while the pool of money is substantial - that it won't last forever. Participants are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
For further information, contact Kathy Wildauer at the HEAP office at (717) 221-1389. You can see the list of eligible training programs at your local CareerLink office or by visiting www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us and looking for the Statewide Training Program/HACC list.
