Published: January 05, 2009 11:24 pm      

College offers free semester to those hit by downturn

Laid-off workers are getting some help training for new careers at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

Cambria County residents who have lost jobs because of economic conditions are eligible for free tuition for one full semester, college President Walter Asonevich said Monday.

“This policy allows the college to offer 12 credits free to any dislocated worker,” Asonevich said during a press conference at the college’s Richland campus.

The free tuition approved last month by the college trustees is designed to help displaced workers to move ahead.

“It is a way to get started on a college degree,” Asonevich said. “We think it’s a way to get people who don’t usually think about college to say, ‘Maybe I’ll give this a try.’ ”

Once they have a semester under their belts, college leaders hope, the new students will continue their education with help from government funding options.

Business management, health-care management and computer information systems are expected to be among the more popular courses, said Edward C. “Ted” Nichols, vice president and dean of academic affairs.

“For someone who has worked for maybe 12 years, a few years of business accounting is all they need to catapult them into a similar job,” Asonevich said.

To qualify, a displaced worker must be a Cambria County resident with written verification of a layoff from the last employer. Free tuition is available for one semester, if the student is enrolled full time, taking four to six classes.

Once enrolled, the student must apply for financial aid, with any grant money going to the college.

“What they are guaranteed is the tuition will be free for one semester,” Asonevich said.

Lab fees and books would be the students’ responsibility.

Students must take available slots in existing classes, Asonevich said.

New classes will not be created for the displaced-worker program.

Enrollment for the spring semester continues through Jan. 14. Classes begin Jan. 20. Any Cambria County resident who lost a job during 2008 is qualified.