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College To Receive Nearly $500K For Computer Science & STEM Programming

As part of Governor Wolf’s plan to strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce, Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Pedro A. Rivera visited with representatives from the Southern Alleghenies STEM Ecosystem at Penn Highlands to announce the PAsmart advancing grant that had been awarded. The state grant will help the ecosystem build on existing partnerships, taking a more comprehensive approach to addressing workforce needs in the region. For details, click on the image above.

Governor Tom Wolf recently announced $9.6 million in PAsmart advancing grants to enhance science and technology education in schools statewide. Of these grants, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is set to receive $498,495 as a part of this round of PAsmart funds.

“Workers in all types of jobs increasingly need to use computers and technology,” said Governor Wolf. “In order to meet that demand, I launched PAsmart last year to expand science and technology education. These grants will help our schools and communities to expand STEM and computer science education. That will strengthen our workforce, so businesses can grow, and workers have good jobs that can support a family.”

Projects funded by the PAsmart advancing grants include computer science/STEM camps and after-school programs, STEM programming for pre-kindergarten students and classrooms and a mobile fabrication lab where students can gain hands-on experience with coding and robotics.

Other projects will develop internships in computer science and STEM, teacher training programs to increase the number of instructors for computer science/STEM and a Pathways to College program for high school students in the state’s rural northern tier region.

Sources: Governor Tom Wolf’s Office, Tribune-Democrat

Penn Highlands Named A 2019-20 Military Friendly School®

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been designated a Military Friendly School® by VIQTORY Media, the premier source for military personnel transitioning into civilian life.

The 2019-20 Military Friendly School® list honors colleges, universities, and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.

“This year, and in years past, we have been recognized for our commitment and devotion to military service members, veterans, and their families,” stated Dr. Walter Asonevich, President of Penn Highlands Community College. “We want all veterans living in the Southern Alleghenies to know how much we value their service, and that we are dedicated to meeting their needs for education and training.”

Institutions earning the Military Friendly School® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. This year, 766 schools earned this prestigious designation.

The 2019-2020 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY Media with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

About Military Friendly® Schools
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions.

The survey questions, methodology, criteria, and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Ernst & Young, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services, independently evaluated the scoring methodology used for the Military Friendly® Schools list using the criteria set forth by VIQTORY. The services performed by Ernst & Young were limited to advisory procedures and do not provide assurance over the scoring methodology.

The survey is administered for free and is open to all post-secondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com/.

About VIQTORY
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse, and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any federal government entity.

Blair Center Sets Spring Open House Schedule

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Blair Center will be hosting a series of open houses between January and April for all interested individuals and their families. These open houses, all held at the recently renovated facility in the Logan Valley Mall, will take place on the following dates:

• Saturday, January 26: 10am to 1pm
• Friday, February 15: 10am to 4pm
• Monday, March 25: 6 to 7:30pm (college-wide event at all facilities)
• Monday, April 22: 10am to 1pm and 4 to 7pm

Attendees will learn about Penn Highlands and its opportunities, including programs and coursework, transfer options, and more. Information on student life, including clubs and activities, and financial assistance will also be presented by representatives.

All in attendance will get to tour the new, state-of-the-art Blair Center, which includes over 18,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, and student life areas.

Light refreshments and giveaways will be available throughout each event.

For additional information, contact the Penn Highlands Community College Blair Center at 814.201.2700 or blair@pennhighlands.edu. You can also find Pennsylvania Highlands online at http://www.pennhighlands.edu.

New Programs Fill Regional Needs & Expand Career Opportunities

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees recently approved four new programs: Engineering Technology, Sustainable Hydroponic Agriculture and Rural Entrepreneurship, Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician, and Paralegal Studies.

“These new programs are designed to meet the needs of the region,” stated Dr. Barbara Zaborowski, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. “They give students access to exciting new hands-on learning opportunities and provide paths to in-demand careers.”

Engineering Technology (A.A.S.) is an associate degree that offers two tracks: Architectural and Civil. Students will work with Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD) software to facilitate the design and drafting of buildings and building components. This program offers opportunities to work with professional architects and engineers in the design, drafting, and layout of buildings, roads, and utilities.

Sustainable Hydroponic Agriculture and Rural Entrepreneurship is a two-semester (one year) certificate that prepares individuals for work in the sustainable agricultural industry, including traditional agribusiness and the emerging field of controlled environment agriculture. In partnership with Sandyvale Memorial Park, this program will be able to offer both theory and practical hands-on application in a greenhouse using actual hydroponic equipment.

Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician is an 18-credit certificate that enables graduates to work in an entry-level position in the varied field of addiction treatment. Students will be introduced to the effects that substance abuse and chemical dependency have on society; and gain an understanding of what addiction is, the different drugs that are used, how to work with those who have physical and psychological addictions, the various types of treatment, and counseling approaches.

Paralegal Studies (A.A.S.) is an associate degree that teaches the philosophy and methodology of legal practice so graduates can understand the principles of law and policy that affect government, business, and nonprofit organizations. Graduates may pursue careers as legal assistants and paralegals. Unlike the three other new programs that begin in Fall 2019, Paralegal Studies is set to begin in Fall 2020.

Pennsylvania Highlands has six locations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region that serve residents of western Pennsylvania.

Dean’s List For Fall 2018 Announced

The Dean’s List for the Fall 2018 semester has been released. Penn Highlands Community College is proud of these students and their accomplishments.

Acosta – Megan Kelly Coddington

Alexandria – Kendra Jo Norris

Altoona – Pamela Nicole Carter, Christina Marie Evans, Diane Louise Gallagher, Nathalia M. Harchak, Lynn Edward Hight, Crystal Lynn Hoffman, Janice D. Jorge Matos, Priscilla Paige Lamertina, Rebecca M. Rago, Madisyn Lynn Simington, Mary E. Smith, Paige Nicole Steindel, Justin Ross Straesser, Joan M. Yohn

Alum Bank – Madison Laura Yarnell

Armagh – Felicity Noelle Regan

Beaverdale – Danielle Renee` Grados, RaeLynn Danielle Hammond, Devon Christopher Michaels, Tanner Edward Thomas

Bedford – Eric Gabriel Hooper, Chad Allen Weakland

Bellefonte – Izaak Andrew Trithart

Berlin – Bethany Marie Blubaugh, Lisa Ann Ferko, Megan Lynn Miller, Matthew Charles Shipley, Elizabeth M. Stoltzfus

Boswell – Emily June Kennell, Sheena Marie Pastuch, Von Michael Yoder

Brackenridge – Regis Daniel Uhric

Carrolltown – Vincent Benno Bearer, Evan Joseph Johnson, Courtney R. Loughran, Jared Paul Shank

Central City – Robert Ralph Antesberger, James Walker Williams

Charleroi – Richard Lee Rifenburg

Cherry Tree – Baylee Lynn Boring, Angie Dawn Moyer

Claysburg – Kayla Breanne Fluke

Clearfield – Chad Alan Maney, Ashley R. Struble

Clymer – George Robert Brown, Zachary Michael Horwat

Colver – Allyssa Newton Nash, Julius Michael Nocera

Conemaugh – Dezera LaShae Lee, Angela Rose Santacroce

Cresson – Bailey Grace Eger, Devin Scott Selip, Cody Allan Westrick

Davidsville – Noah John Livella, Marisa Lynne Wagner

Duncansville – Todd Andrew Beard, Aaron Logan Cook, Kaitlin Darlene McKee, Lyndzi Michele Vaughn, Dylan Matthew Zeiders

Ebensburg – Kayla Marie Anna, Carina Rebecca Bearer, Alexis Renee Bertolino, Nicholas Ryan Brawley, Alexis Nicole Brown, Veronica R. Chumrik, Jenelle Marie Hanlon, Brandon C. Hritz, Thomas Matthew Lauer, Amber N. McBreen, Noelle Justina Scanlan, Faith Marie Sodmont, Justin Michael Tavalsky, Richard Emil Tavalsky, Thomas William Tavalsky

Fairhope – Autumn Nicole Chonko

Fallentimber – Jeremy M. Rinker

Flinton – Maiya Jasmine Shaffer, Mikasa Jade Shaffer

Ford City – Tyler Aaron Smeltzer

Frenchville – Thad Edward Butler

Friedens – Elizabeth Marlene Reese, Amber Michelle Schuck, Katelynn Elizabeth Swank, Derek Michael James Zolla

Gallitzin – Jamil Anthony Flores, Julie L. Gray

Garrett – Ashley Clarissa Chonko

Gillett – Kayla Rae Kendall

Hastings – Jennifer McCombie, Zane Ross McElhenny, Jason P. Serafin

Hollidaysburg – David B. Bailey

Hollsopple – Casey John Berchick, Ashley L. Malkin, Rebecca Lynn Yoder

Homer City – Anthony Joseph Corso, Evan Patrick Orr

Hooversville – Morgan B. Page

Hopewell – Maryah Faith Lingenfelter, Gregory Thomas Lynn

Huntingdon – Heather Dawn Allen, Anneliese Danae Aurand, Amanda L. Hartman, Zachary Robert Norris

Imler – Sarah Nicole Allison

Indiana – Bonnie L. Himmel, Amanda Dawn Michaels

Irwin – Adam Edward Polakovsky

Jeannette – Matthew Joseph Grupp

Jerome – Hope Ann Safko

Johnstown – Alexis Renee Albert, Tyler Stephen Alt, Zacheri Gabriel Anderson, Brady Jordan Bachota, Taylor Alan Beneke, Emma J. Boyer, Jessica M. Bravo, Gregory Otho Brown, Victoria A. Brumbaugh, Grant Phillip Buynack, Rebekka P. Cannonie, Jolie S. Carey, Mya Frances Makana Ceballos-Palmer, Aaron Louis Ciotti, Nicholas Rostom Constantino, Amber Leigh Contrillo, Keith Allen Cook, Liam Alexander Costa-Malcolm, Anthony Michael De Jesus, Daniel Matthew DiFrancesco, Tara Nicole Dill, Matthew Edward Dugan, Kala Ann Ebaugh, Chandler John Enos, Mariah C. Ernst, Christina Leigh Evans, David Henry Felix, Josie L. Fitz, Caitlin Nichole Flowers, Jordan David Fortson, Brandon James Fox, McAllister Clay Giebelstein, Cornelius Gilchrist, Nikki Shirlene Gilpatrick, Hailey Elise Giuffre, Mowava Stephanie Gonsalves, Megan Ashley Graham, Lea Brianne Green, Cassandra Marie Griffith, Joshua Ray Hagen, Francisco P. Hernandez, Jaydrik Darian Hinton, Erin Marie Hoover, Marcayes E. Hutchins, Tiffany Amber Jones, Jed Alan Karalfa, Tonya Louise Kaufman, Chandler M. Keefer, Marta Z. Kiss, Christian Samuel Konicky, Sarah Elizabeth Konicky, Amber M. Kreasko, Jonathan Ray Leckey, Nicole Erin Lepley, Oliver Mark Lindrose, Angela M. Louder, Ariel Marie Mainhart, Jon Daniel Maldet, Shane A. Malinish, Emily Jane Mantini, Ethan Paul McClafferty, Jeffrey Wayne McKissick, Beth Ann Millare, Jacob T. Miller, Kaley Lauren Murray, Rebecca Jo Ogline, Nilay Kumar Parekh, Jessica N. Pelkey, Chelsea L. Phillips, Brendon Skyler Rager, Andrew Colin Rand, Chelcie Ream, Alyssa June Reed, Liana Nicole Roland, Rebecca L. Schellhammer, Sophie Rose Sprankle, Jenna E. Stevens, Megan Nicole Stiffler, Jonathan William Stratton, Annalese Michelle Tinari, Amanda Lynne Walker, Kylee S. Walker, Micah W. Wanko, Christopher John Weld, Jeremy Thomas Lee Williams, Carly Anna Grace Zahurak

Karns City – Angelo S. Rondinelli

Kittanning – Matthew James Brumbaugh

Ligonier – Cheyenne Laurel Stouffer, David Lee Wasil

Lilly – Bryan J. Ehrenfeld, Hannah Leigh Vena

Loretto – Jeffrey James Barnett, Brooke A. Driskel, Kateri Autumn Krise

Mapleton Depot – Matison Rae Bookwalter, Hannah Marie Gladfelter

Martinsburg – Samantha Jean Burket

Mayport – Zane Smith Rapp

Meyersdale – Hannah Elizabeth Bodes, Eliza Adeleine Darnell, Alexis Jade Day, Megan Taylor Lavin

Mineral Point – Nathan S. Kaschalk, Dylan Michael McCullough, Danika Marie Polka

Mount Union – Nicholas Scott Hurley, Candy Nan Jordan, Kevin G. Sherwood

Nanty Glo – Anthony Edward Cornetti, Austin Joseph George, Erika Elyse Law, David M. Shedlock, Kimberli Ann Weirauch

New Florence – Cheyanne M. Gregorich

Northern Cambria – Tessa Marie Kratzer, Elizabeth M. Mattice, John R. McBee II, Bradley C. McMullen, Michael Andrew Penksa, Linda Evelyn Seibert, Autumn Angel Wise

Orbisonia – Garrett Victor McMath

Patton – Heather Renee Dietrick, Emma Marie Garrison, Colton James Helbig, Morgan Olivia Maslonik, Matthew John Milanesi, Jarred Andrew Reed

Philipsburg – William Thomas Foreman

Portage – Cynthia Lynn Cochran, Lauren Nicole Deetscreek, Adam E. Dixon, Allison L. Jones, Emily Paige Krisko, Katrina Kathlee Mauersberg, Jenna Ann Moratti

Punxsutawney – Kelly Jo Day

Roaring Spring – Abby Lynn Carder, Alec Bryce Madden, Thaddeus Bruce Willey

Robinson – Riley John-William Miller

Rockwood – Augusta Margaret Hay, Jacqlyn A. Knox, Molly Beth Miller

Saint Boniface – Jared Michael Angert

Salix – Kelly Antoinette Blalock, Brock Joel Miller

Saltillo – Megan Dawn Kough

Seward – Carrie Ann Bizich, Patrick Steven Kishlock

Sidman – Barbara Jeanne Fye, Mikala L. Hamara, Amanda Lynn Sewalk

Somerset – Dylan T. Barnes, Brianna Lynn Fieg, Kelsey Louise Knupp, Krystal Elizabeth Knupp, Jeannette Elizabeth Metz, Alexis Elaine Murphy, Devan Alan Murphy, Sean Nicholas Rose, Elizabeth Ann Walker

South Fork – Lakin Elaine Burkett, Crystal L. Fyock, Clayton Michael McVicker, Cameron Daniel Neuts

St. Benedict – Janet Mae Lute, Bryan M. Shaffer, Elizabeth Anne Shaffer, Cheyenne Marie Hayes

Stoystown – Chandler Eugene Saylor, Ryan James Stout

Summerhill – James D. Cornman, Kirsten Grace Foor, Joshua David Gould, Kevin Michael Margic, William R. Miller, Jude David Schrift

Templeton – Brittney Renee Kepple

Twin Rocks – Sara Jane McDonald, Nevin John McIntosh-Higgins

Tyrone – Brittany Allison Harris, Julia Kathleen Hinckley

Vintondale – MaKayla D. Fertick, Tiffaney Jade Smith

Westover – Rachel Belle Moyer

Williamsburg – Noah Daniel Detwiler

Windber – Julia Marie Borish, Madison Brooke Crum, Emily Marie Dabbs, Caitlyn N. Guercio, Michael Jeffrey Hartman, Adriane S. Hautz, Madison R. Leitenberger, Andrew M. Mattis, Janice Arlene Ott, Christine Michele Schuerch, Brittney Nicole Walker, Jennifer M. Young