(Harrisburg, Pa.) Gannett Fleming, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, and Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) have partnered to create the Central Pennsylvania Geospatial Technology Center (GTC). Students, faculty, and professionals from the three organizations will offer their expertise and resources to geospatial technology projects for the public. The partnership will focus on providing substantive and practical knowledge for students, while providing valuable services for the greater central Pennsylvania area.
The GTC partnership brings together three innovative leaders in the fields of geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) technologies. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., Gannett Fleming, through its geospatial technology division, GeoDecisions®, is a global leader in the design and development of innovative geospatial solutions and applications. Harrisburg University offers the only four-year degree program in geospatial technology in the region. HACC offers an associate degree in GIS and a certificate program for those with a degree that are looking for job advancement. It is anticipated that more organizations who are stakeholders in the geospatial technologies industry with ties to central Pennsylvania will engage with the center throughout time.
“Gannett Fleming is pleased to be partnering with Harrisburg University and Harrisburg Area Community College to form the Geospatial Technology Center,” said Robert M. Scaer, P.E., president and chief operating officer of Gannett Fleming. “This is a terrific opportunity to work closely with students in all aspects of running and implementing geospatial technology on large comprehensive projects. Providing students with real-life experiences in a cutting-edge field will give them an edge in competing for future jobs.”
The GTC will operate online and offer practical, real-world assignments for students that will supplement a comprehensive program of academic content. “This center will become a nucleus of experiential learning for students studying geospatial technology and will create a pipeline of career-ready graduates to address the immediate needs of the region’s geospatial technology workforce,” said Albert Sarvis, assistant professor of geospatial technology at Harrisburg University.
Students in HACC’s degree and certificate programs in GIS have already completed some projects for local nonprofits. “We are fortunate to have a very dynamic GIS program and outstanding faculty,” said Ron Young, HACC provost and vice president of academic affairs and enrollment management. “The students have completed work with some organizations, and the GTC is a welcome enhancement to the curriculum. The added opportunities will prepare students further and add to their qualifications. Employers will know their new hires have practical experience that matches their needs.”
Leaders of the GTC will focus on content areas and activities, including professional development, project-based experiential learning, project management, research and technology development, student/professional networking, and advocacy and outreach. The center will serve as a platform for raising awareness and understanding of geospatial technology at student, professional, and political levels. As a regional resource for this rapidly growing profession, it will serve as a hub for coordinating with other successful geospatial technology organizations across the U.S.
About Gannett Fleming
Gannett Fleming is a global infrastructure firm that provides planning, design, technology, and construction management services for a diverse range of markets and disciplines. With 2,000 employees, we have helped to shape infrastructure and improve communities through transportation, environmental, water, energy, and facility-related projects in more than 65 countries. The firm embraces sustainability and innovation for all activities, finding the best solutions and the most efficient processes while being responsible stewards of the environment. Founded in 1915, Gannett Fleming had $292.4 million in revenues in 2011 and has more than 60 offices around the world. We are proud to be ISO 9001:2008 Certified.
For more information about Gannett Fleming, contact:
Judy Hricak, CPSM, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
717.763.7211, ext. 2624
www.gannettfleming.com
About Harrisburg University
Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania's need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. It offers 24 undergraduate and 35 graduate program options.
For more information about Harrisburg University, contact:
Steven Infanti, Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing
717.901.5146
www.HarrisburgU.edu
About Harrisburg Area Community College
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, offers nearly 200 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to more than 22,000 students at five regional campuses in Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York and online through its Virtual Campus. In addition, HACC serves more than 55,000 students in noncredit workforce development, continuing education and personal enrichment programs offered at all campuses and off-site locations in many communities in central Pennsylvania. For more information about what HACC has to offer, go to www.hacc.edu.
For more information about HACC, contact:
Tracy Mendoza, Coordinator, Media Relations
717.221.1300, ext. 1556
