HARRISBURG, Pa. – The HACC Foundation recently funded projects with funds from a seven-figure estate gift from a Central Pennsylvania couple.These innovative projects are made possible by the John E. Paxton and Gloria W. Paxton Fund for Excellence in STEAM. In April 2019, Mrs. Gloria W. Paxton left nearly $1.3 million to the HACC Foundation to establish the fund.
To date, $638,546.99 of the funds have been allocated for cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) programs to benefit students.
Information about some of the projects follows:
- In fall 2020, HACC students will have access to an online tool to self-assess their work and learning experiences for possible credit toward completing HACC programs. This online tool will give working adults a jump start on their return to school to further their education. It allows them to align their skills and work experience with course outcomes to award credit for demonstrated competencies. The tool can increase adult student enrollment by awarding credit for workplace training, military training, professional certifications, national examinations and civic activities.
- Funds will be used to create greater awareness and education of the 89 STEAM-related academic programs at HACC, while building a foundation for STEAM teaching and learning using virtual and augmented reality. Given the right educational environment and opportunities, STEAM students are bound to make a lasting impact in their future jobs and community.
- Open educational resources (OER) provide HACC students with immediate access to full courses, materials, textbooks, streaming videos and software at no cost. OER allow students to access material on a variety of devices and locations. Funds will be used to promote and encourage faculty to adopt, adapt or create OER for students.
- Funds will be used to create an interdisciplinary and web-based collegewide student newspaper.
For more information about the Paxton Family and the fund for excellence, please visit the HACC Foundation website.
Photo Caption: In April 2019, Mrs. Gloria W. Paxton left nearly $1.3 million to the HACC Foundation to establish the John E. Paxton and Gloria W. Paxton Fund for Excellence in STEAM.
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.
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.
