LANCASTER - Ambitious students can take advantage of a new accelerated program for a Business Studies associate degree this fall at the Lancaster Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.

“We know it’s tough to juggle career advancement with the everyday realities of family and work, so we have developed a program that compresses class time for the student who is focused and motivated to get an associate degree,” says Stuart Savin, Ed.D., campus dean and vice president.

“Today’s fastest-growing careers require an education, and as one of the top providers of education in central Pennsylvania, HACC is proud to offer this phenomenal opportunity to meet that need,” Savin continued.

Prospective students can find out more about the evening classes offered in the fast-track option at an informational session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, in Room 227 of the Main Building on the Lancaster Campus.

“This is an intensive program that fits full semester-long classes into just eight weeks,” said Mike C. Corradino, assistant dean of academic affairs.

Rather than the five- to six-years often required to complete a degree program by attending college on a part-time basis, the fast-track option can reduce that time to 24 months to 36 months, he said.

Fast-track courses start Aug. 19, with the 2008-09 school year divided into five eight-week terms. Classes will meet two nights a week and you can sign up for as many or as few of these sections as you choose.

“We have designed special ‘stop-out’ options to accommodate particularly busy times. You can skip an eight-week term if things get busy at work or home and then jump right back in where you left off,” Corradino said. “This program will be hard work and will take a real commitment from the student, it offers an alternative but those who don’t have the time to attend a semester-long class,” he added.

Financial aid options are available for this program.

For more information, attend the info session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, in Room 227 of the Main Building. You also can call (717) 358-2966 or send an e-mail to the address below.