Hoverter Course in the Humanities at Messiah University. hoverterbanner.jpg
Messiah University is offering free college courses to Harrisburg residents, but is trying to encourage more people to take advantage of the opportunity.
Funded and named after Lawrence L. and Julia Z. Hoverter Charitable Foundation, the program provides tuition-free college classes to economically and educationally disadvantaged people whose circumstances have prevented them from considering a college education.
Messiah University launched the program in 2006, according to Gladys Robalino, director of the university’s Center for Public Humanities.
Robalino said the university is trying to get more people to participate in the program that has transformed the lives of many people.
Karla DeJesus is one of them.
She enrolled in the Hoverter course in 2009 to help her cope with the death of her 29-year-old son Dax Curtis. Curtis was shot in 2007, standing in the doorway of the home he shared with his father, retired Harrisburg detective Richard Curtis.
“While I was in the Hoverter program, I was literally going through four trials, because there were four people involved in killing my son,” she said. “I was trying not to lose it. I was finding a way to keep my sanity.”
After completing the Hoverter Course, DeJesus decided to retire early after working as assistant for a Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania judge and a Magisterial District judge. She was recruited by Messiah University to earn a bachelor’s degree, graduating at 55 years old.
Then, DeJesus earned a master’s degree in peace and conflict resolutions at Pennsylvania Western University. And she picked up additional credits in addiction studies. DeJesus now works as a drug and alcohol counselor at the State Correctional Institution in Camp Hill.
She said the Hoverter Course is the perfect route for adults who may think education is not a path for them.
“The Hoverter Course is a way to allow anyone to reimagine life,” DeJesus said. “Messiah has something to offer because the first class you take is self-reflection, and that is enough to motivate and encourage a person who thought education was not a route for them or a tool for life.”
But the Hoverter Course now has only three students enrolled. It can accommodate as many as 20 students, and Robalino wants to get the word out to attract more students.
“My hope is that more people know about it and take advantage of this opportunity,” she said.
“This is something the university is doing specifically for the city of Harrisburg,” she said, offering free courses to allow a path to success for people who need it.
Messiah University faculty teach all courses, including courses in writing, critical and ethical thinking, American history, and civics. Those who successfully complete the program can use the nine credits earned to attain a four-year degree from any university after graduating from the Hoverter Course.
Robalino said the first semester runs from August to December, and the second semester is between January and May. Once classes begin, students meet once a week at the Marshall Math Science Academy in Harrisburg.
Through the Hoverter Course, participants receive free books and onsite childcare assistance from Messiah University students who are cleared to take care of children. Students who are hired for childcare are normally majoring in childhood education, Robalino said.
Harrisburg residents who are 18 years of age and older, high school graduates, or GED recipients can apply to take the college courses. Click here for the application and additional details on Hoverter Course in the Humanities program.
READ MORE:
Dauphin County CASA launches third annual holiday fundraiser
Wish List 2022: Local nonprofits tell us what they need — and how you can help
Theatre Harrisburg announces 29th annual Arts Awards honorees
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).
Cookie Settings
© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.
Ad Choices
