This story is part of our ongoing “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 HACC employees, students and others who are making a difference. The heroes of this story are Jason Beaudin, HACC’s director of academic technologies, and the HACC Foundation.
 
HARRISBURG, Pa. – With additional support from the HACC Foundation, students at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, can borrow devices that help them successfully participate in remote instruction during the global coronavirus pandemic. The $145,000 award was made possible by generous donors to the HACC Foundation.

The funds will be used to support student success by providing:

• Desktop computers for students to complete their coursework
• Wi-Fi hot spots for students to have adequate internet access
• Webcams for students to be able to interact with their instructors and classmates

Jason Beaudin, HACC’s director of academic technologies, requested funding from the HACC Foundation for this need.
 
“Statistically, HACC students experience the challenges of poverty at a higher rate than the national average. Many HACC students are faced with difficult economic decisions on a routine basis. For some, the impact of these decisions can place insurmountable hurdles between a student and academic progress,” said Beaudin.
 
Once HACC returns to routine operations, the Wi-Fi hot spots and webcams will be integrated into HACC’s Technology Loan program, which allows students to sign out devices available in the College’s inventory based on need. The desktop computers will be integrated into the College’s PC Loan Program, which allows students who qualify to keep the loaned device for free upon successful graduation from HACC.
 
HACC recently announced that it would continue to provide remote instruction and services through May 17. Therefore, the timing of these two HACC heroes – Beaudin and the HACC Foundation – was perfect.
 
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.