About HACC

Our Purpose: 

• Learning for all; learning for life

Core Values: A Circle of Caring

*Caring by Creating Our Future Together

• We work together to shape and build our preferred future.

• We encourage and celebrate creativity and innovation.

• We set high goals and strive to achieve them.

• We strive to provide exceptional service to all who help shape our future.

*Caring for Each Other

• We are gateways to student success and opportunity.

• We promote respect, collegiality, diversity and equity-mindedness in all we say and do.

• We nurture awareness and cultural sensitivity to create a climate of trust.

• We are growth-minded, believing that each of us is capable of learning, developing and growing to support our mission.

*Caring by Doing What is Right

• We are honest and hold each other and ourselves to the highest ethical standards.

• We provide the most accurate information available in all communications.

• We are transparent about our decisions as individuals and teams.

• We embrace broad engagement in the shared governance process.

2022-25 Strategic Plan

Commitment 1: Reimagine Employee Success Together

• Review and enhance systems and structures that engage and support employees and promote a culture of care and belonging.

Commitment 2: Reimagine Student Success Together

• Assess and enhance systems and structures that support existing programs, develop new in-demand programs and create greater opportunities for student success by promoting an environment of care and belonging.

Commitment 3: Amplify Our Impact through Strategic Partnerships 

• Expand and leverage strategic partnerships providing additional resources to support our objectives; promoting equity; and providing relevant and affordable opportunities for our students and the community.

Commitment 4: Embrace Next-Generation Teaching and Learning

• Implement and support equitable, innovative teaching and learning experiences that respond to the ever-changing needs of students, employers and the community.

Commitment 5: Ensure HACC’s Long-Term Sustainability

• Practice sustainability through responsible stewardship of economic and public resources to accomplish its educational mission.

For more details about HACC’s strategic plan and values, visit www.hacc.edu/AboutHACC/2022-25StrategicPlan. 

Accreditation

HACC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. MSCHE granted initial accreditation in April 1967 and reaffirmed that accreditation most recently on June 21, 2018. Visit the Middle States website at www.msche.org for more information.

Anti-discrimination Statement

In full accordance with the law, HACC does not discriminate in employment, student admissions, and student services on the basis of race, color, religion, age, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, place of birth, General Education Development Certification (GED), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected classification. HACC recognizes its responsibility to promote the principles of equal opportunity for employment, student admissions, student activities and student services taking active steps to recruit minorities and women. Inquiries should be directed to the Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging and Title IX Coordinator at cido@hacc.edu or 717-736-4102.  

History

Harrisburg Area Community College was established February 14, 1964, as the first community college in Pennsylvania. HACC welcomed its first class of 426 students on September 21 of the same year. In seeking to fulfill its mission of “providing educational and cultural opportunities to the community it serves,” HACC has become the largest community college in Pennsylvania, with over 14,000 students enrolled.     

Over the past 56 years HACC has grown and expanded its mission to include campuses at Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York, as well as a robust online education program and Midtown location to house the College’s technology and trade programs. HACC now has more than 107 associate degree, certificate and diploma programs. Global opportunities also are available.

HACC's Office of Workforce Development and Continuing Education offers professional development, job training, and personal enrichment courses/programs designed for both individuals and corporations. The College is one of the largest providers of workforce training in the state serving over 500 companies with over 16,000 enrollments in the areas of public safety, job skills, healthcare, technology and trades training, and computer skills.

Today, HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, has many strengths: exceptional faculty, student-centered libraries, well-equipped laboratories and studios, modern, well-maintained campuses, and quality programs and services. HACC’s reputation reflects the quality and dedication of its faculty and staff and its commitment to meeting the needs of the community and the students it serves.

Inclusion & Diversity

At HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, we view inclusion and diversity as integral to the educational success and continued professional growth of every student and employee. With this focus on fostering success for all, the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging was founded in 2016. Keeping with our core values, our work implants the value of inclusivity to our institutional identity and creates an atmosphere of belonging in our institutional narrative. Our aim is for HACC to be a truly welcoming, equitable and affirming environment where everyone is empowered as life-long learners. We strive to break down barriers and promote equity and belonging throughout the College. 

The Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging works to be inclusive and responsive to the needs of our students.