Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg Area Community College. Founded in 1964, it is a public, multi-campus institution serving south-central Pennsylvania as part of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges. The college provides a wide range of associate degrees, certificate programs, and workforce development training to a diverse student body across its several locations and through a robust online platform.

History

The institution was established by the Harrisburg School District following the passage of the Community College Act of 1963 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Its first classes were held in 1964 at the former William Penn High School building in Harrisburg. Under the leadership of its first president, E. W. "Swede" Kenworthy, the college quickly expanded to meet regional demand. A significant milestone was the 1967 opening of its first dedicated campus on Route 322 in Susquehanna Township, which later became known as the Harrisburg Campus. Throughout the late 20th century, it grew into a multi-campus system, establishing locations in Lancaster, Lebanon, York, and Gettysburg to serve the broader region.

Academics

The college offers over 150 programs of study leading to associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. These are organized into several academic schools, including the School of Business, Hospitality and Tourism, the School of Liberal Arts and Humanities, and the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. It maintains numerous articulation agreements with four-year institutions like Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, and Millersville University of Pennsylvania to facilitate bachelor's degree completion. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and holds specialized accreditation for programs in fields such as nursing, culinary arts, and radiography.

Campuses and locations

The primary Harrisburg Campus is located in Susquehanna Township and serves as the administrative hub. Other major campuses include the Lancaster Campus in Lancaster, the Lebanon Campus in Lebanon, the York Campus in York, and the Gettysburg Campus in Gettysburg. The college also operates several specialized centers, such as the Midtown 1 and Midtown 2 facilities in downtown Harrisburg for health careers and workforce development. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive selection of online courses and degrees through its Virtual Learning program.

Student life

Student activities are coordinated through the Office of Student Life and a governing Student Government Association. The college fields intercollegiate athletic teams, known as the Hawks, which compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference. Students participate in over 50 clubs and organizations, including chapters of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, program-specific clubs, and cultural groups. The Cooper Student Center on the Harrisburg Campus serves as a central gathering space, housing dining services, meeting rooms, and the Wildwood Auditorium.

Notable alumni and faculty

Notable alumni include former Major League Baseball player and coach John Russell, Pennsylvania State Senator Mike Folmer, and journalist Michele Reese. The faculty has included figures such as former Pennsylvania House of Representatives member Ron Buxton and poet Christopher Bursk. Many graduates have transferred to prestigious institutions like Ivy League schools and have achieved prominence in fields such as public service, healthcare, and the arts within Pennsylvania and beyond.

Category:Universities and colleges in Pennsylvania Category:Community colleges in Pennsylvania Category:Educational institutions established in 1964 Category:Harrisburg, Pennsylvania