HARRISBURG, Pa. – The HACC Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to raise private contributions in support of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, has approved the funding needed for the HACC Generic Automotive Technology Program (GATP) to purchase additional vehicles for a fleet and tool upgrade to train students.
The funding for this project came from the High Technology Endowment. With $20,000 originally approved in February 2013, program instructors Jeff Gieniec and Kazim Dharsi attempted to secure the bulk of their needed vehicles and other items from the department’s list of needs through in-kind donations.
The GATP also received a donation of a 1998 Volkswagon Jetta with a diesel engine from Jim Grandon, chairman of the HACC Foundation Board, and Greg Sutliff, a former director of the HACC Foundation Board. The Jetta, valued at $1,700, can be used for the fuels course in the spring and to introduce more diesel training. However, the program was still in need of a hybrid vehicle, as well as one with power options, such as power windows and door locks.
As a result, the total funding request of $75,000 was recently approved by the HACC Foundation. With this money, the program was able to purchase a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid for $14,500, a 2011 Toyota Corolla for $14,147, a 2012 Mitsubishi Galant for $14,995, a 2012 Chrysler 200 for $14,500 and a 2004 Chevy Silverado Hybrid for $7,300.
The Ford Fusion and Chevy Silverado are both hybrid vehicles, and all of the purchased cars offer modern options, e.g., seat heaters, navigation and power windows. The vehicles purchased have upgraded the fleet of vehicles used in the program to current technology models, enabling students to practice diagnosing and repairing vehicles that they would encounter in real life scenarios.
To view photographs of the purchased vehicles, please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/hacc/sets/72157638772267236/.
HACC’s automotive program is always in need of donated automobiles and regularly seeks donations from the community.
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. In fiscal year 2013-14 alone, the HACC Foundation contributed close to $2.2 million to the College in scholarships, special programs and facilities and provided financial assistance to 1,345 students.
Contributions to the HACC Foundation are accepted in the form of unrestricted gifts to augment endowed funds, contributions to existing or new scholarship programs or award funds, support for academic and workforce programs, sponsorship of special events and cultural programs and contributions made in honor or in memory of individuals. In addition, the Foundation holds annual events, including the Frank J. Dixon Tournament for Scholarships at HACC, and various scholarship award ceremonies. The HACC Foundation is gratefully YOURS.
For more information on the HACC Foundation, visit http://www.hacc.edu/HACCFoundation/ or the College’s YouTube channel.
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