Community Services–Community Orientation and Involvement

From the beginning, College supporters have been committed to the concept of an institution oriented to its community. Harper has enjoyed a heartening involvement and interest by members of the community who continue to give countless hours to accomplish key phases of the College's programs.

Advisory committee members selected from the community for their expertise and knowledge give support to Harper on career programs, management training seminars for business and industry, women's programs, senior citizens' programs, public relations, the College's long-range plan and fund raising.

Community leaders serve as directors of the Harper College Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships and supports special projects to enhance the educational programs of the College. In 1981, the Friends of Harper organization was formed as a support group for the College by citizens interested in promoting awareness of programs and services offered by Harper.

In the early 1990s, the College enhanced its efforts to provide educational and training opportunities to employees of companies throughout the district. An Education Service Agreement allows in-district companies' employees to attend Harper at in-district tuition. The College's Corporate Services Department provides customized on-site training in everything from basic skills to new technologies. In addition, classes continue to grow in areas of English as a Second Language, citizenship preparation and Adult Educational Development.

As Harper plans for the future, answers to these questions will be sought constantly and reevaluated to enable the College to continue to be accountable to the community it serves.