Date & Time: April 15, 2026 & 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presenter: Mr. Rowan Matchett (Digital Admissions Counselor, HACC)

Event Coordinator: Rakia Rasoli (Case Worker, ISC)

Participants: 10 clients along with 10 ISC staff members

The HACC Community College virtual information and application training session was conducted via Zoom in collaboration with the International Service Center (ISC). The session was coordinated by Rakia Rasoli, Case Worker at ISC, and facilitated by Mr. Rowan as the presenter. The training was attended by 10 clients along with ISC staff members.

The purpose of the session was to provide participants with an overview of HACC Community College programs, admissions process, financial aid opportunities, and student support services, as well as to guide clients through the online application process. The session also included a practical component where participants worked on sample applications in real time.

HACC Community College was introduced as a multi-campus institution with locations in Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York, in addition to offering online learning options. Students can study online, in-person, or in a hybrid format while maintaining access to institutional services.

The college offers associate degree programs designed for either direct workforce entry or transfer to four-year institutions, typically consisting of approximately 60 credits and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Certificate and diploma programs were also presented as shorter, skills-based training options, generally completed within one year. Workforce development (non-credit) programs were also highlighted as affordable job-training options such as CDL, CNA, EMT, and forklift certification.

The tuition structure is based on a per-credit system, with an estimated cost of $343.50 per credit including fees. Financial aid options were discussed, including FAFSA-based aid, scholarships, payment plans, military benefits, and third-party sponsorships. FAFSA eligibility generally requires U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee, or asylee status.

HACC provides extensive student support services, including tutoring, academic advising, career services, counseling, and the Care Center, which assists with basic needs such as food, transportation, childcare, and mental health support. Student engagement opportunities such as sports and clubs were also highlighted to encourage campus involvement and leadership development.

The admissions process was demonstrated through HACC’s online application system. A fee waiver code was provided for participants, benefiting 12 clients by eliminating the standard $35 application fee for those applying within the required timeframe. Participants were guided through account creation, program selection, and application submission.

A hands-on application session was conducted where participants completed sample applications with support from Mr. Rowan. An interactive question-and-answer segment addressed admissions requirements, program options, financial aid limitations, and visa-related questions for international students.

Key Resources Shared:

• Application
  • Apply to HACC here: https://hacc.elluciancrmrecruit.com/apply/Account/Create
• Financial Aid
  • FAFSA application: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
    • Students must be US citizens, permanent resident, refugee or asylee to qualify for federal financial aid
  • PHEAA
    • Specifically for students in Pennsylvania and awards the PA state grant, but they can also assist with FAFSA and other financial aid-related topics
    • The PHEAA representative for Dauphin County is Tiffanie DeVan
      • Phone: 717-884-2200
      • Email: tiffanie.devan@pheaa.org
    • Here are all the PHEAA representatives and which counties they serve
  • Contact HACC’s Financial Aid Office
• Transcripts:

WES required for international transcripts before submission to record@hacc.edu

• Meet with HACC Admissions:
  • They offer 1:1 meeting both in-person and over Zoom
    • In-person appointment options
    • Virtual appointment options
• International Student Services:
  • HACC has a department for helping students obtain their F-1 visa to study here in the United States
  • Become an International F-1 student at HACC
  • Phone: 717-780-1100
  • Email: internationalstudent@hacc.edu
• Other:
  • Free GED class information
  • ESL Programs