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Citing financial difficulties, the Keystone Technical Institute in Harrisburg closed its doors unexpectedly on Sunday.

(File)

Citing financial difficulties, the Keystone Technical Institute in Harrisburg closed its doors unexpectedly on Sunday.

The Keystone Technical Institute announced its closing on Monday, surprising a number of students online. KTI said in a prepared release that it will work with current students to provide personal assistance in finding other institutions where their credits may be recognized and they will be able to continue their education.

Students choosing not to continue their education, KTI said, will also be provided assistance as to the options available to them.

KTI President David W. Snyder said he understand that the school's closing will have a significant economic impact on the local economy. The school employed approximately 50 faculty and staff. Niche.com indicates there were more than 340 students enrolled.

"The impact to our students and their families is not to be underestimated," Snyder said in the prepared release. "Many of our students were first-time students making positive change in their life that would benefit their families. This is most heartbreaking of this unfortunate closing."

KTI said it was in good standing with their accrediting body as well as state and federal agencies.

KTI said it had become impossible to maintain the institution financially. Factors leading to the school's closure include declining enrollment numbers and increased federal regulation on career schools across the country.

KTI said based on the program a student is in and where they are in their educational process, they have developed individualized plans for each student to consider their options moving forward.

KTI said it will be working closely with several other local postsecondary institutions that offer career training, along with the PA Department of Education, and other organizations in order to help each student to the best of their ability and to assist them through this transition.

"I extend sincere gratitude to the staff and faculty of KTI, thousands of graduates/students, as well as the hundreds of employers that supported KTI over the years," Snyder said.