This story is part of our “HACC Heroes” series. We recognize the severity of the global coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our communities. During this challenging time, we want to thank and recognize some of the many HACC employees, students and others who are making a difference. The hero of this story is the HACC Foundation for removing barriers to help students succeed.
 
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The HACC Foundation has generously provided more than $70,000 to eliminate the past due balances of more than 515 students at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.
 
Due to the financial impact of the global pandemic, the HACC Foundation established the Fresh Start Grant to pay off nominal past due balances on students’ accounts, enabling them to register for summer and/or fall 2020 classes.
 
Linnie Carter, Ph.D., APR, vice president of college advancement at HACC and executive director of the HACC Foundation, said, “HACC is the community’s college. As part of our mission, we believe in giving current and future students second chances. The students have already demonstrated that they are committed to bettering their lives. They just needed a ‘fresh start,’ and the HACC Foundation was honored to provide it. No one gets through this life alone. At some point, everyone needs help. Our only request is for these students to do well at HACC and pay it forward one day.”
 
No funds from the federal government’s CARES Act were used to pay off these student balances. Students were advised that they should continue paying any future balances on HACC accounts in a timely manner, as this opportunity may not be available in the future. 
 
For more information about the Fresh Start Grant, please contact foundation@hacc.edu.
 
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 19,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on Twitter (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.
 
About the HACC Foundation
The HACC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 1985 to raise private and corporate revenues in support of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College. The HACC Foundation provides funding for student scholarships, innovative academic programs, state-of-the art training equipment and modernized facilities. To learn more about the HACC Foundation, please visit haccfoundation.org. To contribute to the HACC Foundation, please visit hacc.edu/GiveNow.