Harford Community College Receives One Step Away Grant

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has awarded Harford Community College a $60,000 grant for continuation of a One Step Away program to increase college completion rates by providing associate and bachelor’s degree-granting Maryland institutions with funds to identify, contact, re-enroll and graduate near-completers.

At Harford, One Step Away provides one-on-one, concierge advising and support that walks students through the re-admission process, gets them scheduled for classes, and helps with the financial aid process.

The goal of the program is to assist students who stopped attending classes despite completing or being near fulfillment of their requirements for earning an associate degree. Program eligibility requirements include the following: completed 45 or more college-level credits; not enrolled in college for at least one year; did not transfer to or finish a degree at another institution; and maintained good academic standing. Students can transfer in credits from other institutions. 

The program has tangible results for students and the community. Since 2014, the One Step Away Program has helped more than 400 students graduate.

Former Harford Community College students interested in completing their degree with assistance from the One Step Away program can learn about their eligibility by contacting George Budelis at GBudelis@Harford.edu or 443-412-2185, or Roger Hoover at RoHoover@harford.edu or 443-412-2206. Info: https://www.harford.edu/admissions/apply/one-step-away.php.