Academic Affairs

HCC and PIA sign agreement to benefit students

(March 6, 2020) – Officials at Hagerstown Community College and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics today signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a pathway for PIA graduates to earn a degree at HCC.

Students who complete a program of study through PIA and have received the corresponding industry-recognized technical license or certification may be awarded up to 18 credits at HCC, to be granted toward the associate of applied science degree in technical studies. PIA students will work with a faculty advisor at HCC to create a customized program of study that will complement the PIA program and round out the AAS degree.

“The demand for aviation mechanics is significant,” said HCC President Jim Klauber. “We’re excited about this agreement, which is long overdue, as it creates a new opportunity for these students to be better prepared for the competitive workforce.”

“We are so pleased to partner with HCC in making it possible for PIA students who choose to further their education and career advancement potential,” said PIA President and CEO Suzanne Markle. “With looming retirements and increased employer needs, it’s an incredibly important time for aviation maintenance and our agreement adds to the opportunities available for these high-demand skills.”

The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics is a not-for-profit school of aviation maintenance and aviation electronics under the Federal Aviation Administration. The main campus is located in West Mifflin, Pa. The Hagerstown branch was opened in April 2011.

The PIA campus in Hagerstown offers a 16-month aviation maintenance technology program, which prepares students to test for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant License.

HCC offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development training. HCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a Maryland state-supported institution.

For more information on this pathway, contact Carol Rothstein, HCC dean of instruction, at carothstein@hagerstowncc.edu or 240-500-2437.

Photo caption: Pictured at the signing ceremony are, from left, John Williamson, HCC board of trustees chair; Carol Rothstein, HCC dean of instruction; Jim Klauber, HCC president; David Warner, HCC vice president of academic affairs; Suzanne Markle, PIA president/CEO; Jason Mongan, PIA director of education; and Bernard “Butch” Adams, PIA’s Hagerstown campus director.