Scholarships

The Foundation Scholarship program solicits and receives gifts to the College from staff and faculty, alumni, members of the community and local businesses and organizations to provide funds for student scholarships.

The Financial Aid Office awards scholarships based upon the availability of funds. Criteria for scholarships vary, but most are based upon financial need and/or academic merit in combination with other eligibility criteria, but in keeping with affirmative action guidelines.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN (AAUW), JOHNSTOWN BRANCH SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established through the generosity of the Johnstown Branch of the American Association of University Women.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must

• Be a full-time matriculated student in a degree program who has earned at least 30 credits.
• Have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
  
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Reside in either Cambria or Somerset County.
• Preference will be given to female students, 25 years of age or older.

A maximum of $500 is awarded annually.

DR. WALTER AND KIM ASONEVICH SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established through the generosity of the Johnstown Branch of the American Association of University Women.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must

• Be a single parent, first semester student enrolled fulltime in an associate’s degree program
• Demonstrate financial need
• Maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average for second semester renewal of the scholarship
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Complete the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Scholarship Application

If awarded the applicant agrees to

• Acknowledge receipt of the scholarship by writing a thank you letter to the donor and submitting it to the financial aid office.  
• Sign a release of information.

Scholarships are awarded for the first semester ($500) and may be extended to the second semester based on availability of funds.

CROWN AMERICAN HOTELS SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is sponsored by Crown American Hotels and is awarded to a first year Culinary Arts student from Cambria County.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must

• Be a first year student enrolled fulltime in the Culinary Arts Program
• Demonstrate financial need
• Live in Cambria County
• Maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average for second semester renewal of the scholarship
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Complete the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Scholarship Application

If awarded the applicant agrees to

• Acknowledge receipt of the scholarship by writing a thank you letter to the donor and submitting it to the financial aid office.  
• Sign a release of information.

Scholarships are awarded for tuition only for two full time semesters. 

JOHNSTOWN REGIONAL INDIAN SUBCONTINENT ASSOCIATION (JRISA) SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is sponsored by Johnstown Regional Indian Subcontinent Association (JRISA) and is awarded to a first year student from Cambria County.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must

• Be a first year student enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits per semester
• Demonstrate financial need
• Live in Cambria County
• Maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average for second semester renewal of the scholarship
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Complete the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Scholarship Application

If awarded the applicant agrees to

• Acknowledge receipt of the scholarship by writing a thank you letter to the donor and submitting it to the financial aid office.  
• Sign a release of information.

A total of $500 will be awarded annually  ($250 each semester).

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS (NAIFA) SCHOLARSHIP

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) established a scholarship fund in 1995 to benefit Pennsylvania Highlands students. This has been funded by the proceeds from its annual golf outing through 2005. The NAIFA scholarship is offered through the Pennsylvania Highlands Foundation.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must

• Have already completed at least three credits at Pennsylvania Highlands.
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA.
• Demonstrate financial need.
  

A maximum of $2,500 will be available annually.

URSULA PAWLOWSKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is given in memory of Ursula Pawlowski, a lifelong educator and former member of the College’s Board of Trustees.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:

• Be matriculated in the Early Childhood Education program or in another
  academic program with the expressed goal of a career in education.
• Maintain a 2.0 G.P.A.

A maximum of $500 is awarded annually.

DR. EDWARD HALUSKA SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is sponsored by the Foundation and is open to any continuing Pennsylvania Highlands student.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:

• Have completed at least three credits at Pennsylvania Highlands.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be matriculated into the program.
• Have at Least a 2.0 GPA.

A maximum of $1000 is awarded annually.

DOMINION PEOPLES GRANT

• Are the single head of household.
• Have custodial care of your child(ren).
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Are enrolled at Pennsylvania Highlands for at least three credits.
• Have a financial need not met by PHEAA or PELL Grants.
  

A maximum of $3500 is awarded annually.

JOHN P. MURTHA COMMUNITY COLLEGE VETERANS SCHOLARSHIP

Veterans Leadership Program/Veterans Community Initiatives and Pennsylvania Highlands sponsor this scholarship. The scholarship is open to all veterans, National Guardsmen, and reservists.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:

• Have an Honorable Discharge and provide a DD-214
• Not qualify for the GI Bill
• Have been a resident of Cambria County for at least the past six months
• Be enrolled or plan to enroll in classes at Pennsylvania Highlands
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA

A total of 30 credits at the in-county tuition rate will be awarded each academic year. Recipients will receive the scholarship for tuition only. College fees are the responsibility of the student.

Applications Required:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or FAFSA Renewal.
• Institutional Financial Aid Application.
• VVLP Scholarship Application - Call VVLP/VCI at 814-255-7209 for details.

Murtha Scholarship deadline dates differ from other Pennsylvania Highlands Scholarships.

JOSEPH AND JOAN MANGARELLA SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established through the generosity of Joseph Mangarella, a long time member of both the College's Board of Trustees and the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and his wife Joan.

• Be enrolled full-time at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
• Preference given to students considered to be challenged and/or with special needs who reside in the Northern Cambria area.

A maximum of $2,500 is awarded annually.

VALENTY SCHOLARSHIP

• Be matriculated in Business Management or business-related program.
• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Demonstrate financial need.

PENNSYLVANIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SCHOLARSHIP

Each high school in Cambria County, as well as Conemaugh Township, Windber Area, and the Johnstown Christian School in northern Somerset County will be offered one full tuition scholarship for a June graduate of the current year. The Pennsylvania Highlands scholarship committee will recommend scholarship recipients for selection to the Office of the President.

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants for the scholarship must:

Write an essay of at least 200 words explaining why he or she has chosen to attend Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

The scholarship will begin during the fall semester following high school graduation. Recipients will receive the scholarship for tuition only. College fees are the responsibility of the student. Students will be monitored each semester to track academic progress, credit load, and to confirm eligibility.

The scholarship is renewed each academic semester, with the maximum of five semesters, provided the following criteria are met each term.

PENNSYLVANIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SUPPORTING SUCCESS SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is comprised of general scholarship funds to assist current Pennsylvania Highlands students, qualified high school seniors preparing to graduate, and adult learners who meet the criteria listed below. The award may be applied to the costs of tuition, fees, and books.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:

• Be pursuing an Associate Degree, diploma, or certificate at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and be enrolled for a minimum of six credits; or

• Be a High School Senior eligible for graduation during the senior year with a cumulative GPA of 2.0; or

• Be an adult learner not grant eligible or employee reimbursed with a high school diploma or its equivalency; or

• Have a need not met by PELL or PHEAA grants

NOTE: Supporting Success Scholarship Funds may be awarded in conjunction with other matching scholarships and/or other special circumstances as determined by the Financial Aid Office.

A maximum of $4000 is awarded annually.

ANNA D. WEITZ SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship honors the dedicated service of Dr. Anna D. Weitz, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College from 2002 - 2007. It was established in recognition of her visionary leadership as a lasting tribute to her many achievements at the College and impact on the community at large.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:

• Be enrolled full-time (12 or more credits).
• Have earned at least fifteen credits at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.
• Have demonstrated service to the College through involvement in a recognized student club/organization or some other officially recognized College service activity.

A maximum of $500 is awarded annually.

TAX CREDITS

There are two tax credits available to help you offset the costs of higher education by reducing the amount of your income tax.  They are the Hope credit and the lifetime learning credit, also referred to as education credits. 

The Hope Learning credit is a nonrefundable tax credit, not a scholarship or tax
deduction. Tax credits are subtracted directly from the tax a family or student owes,
while tax deductions are subtracted from taxable income. To receive the Hope tax credit, a family or student must file a federal tax return and owe taxes. Families and students that don't pay taxes cannot receive money from the Hope credit. If a family or student owes less in taxes than the amount of Hope tax credit they are eligible for, they can only receive a credit equal to the amount of taxes owed.

For the 2008 tax year, a family or student can claim up to $1,800 ($3,600 for students in a Midwestern disaster area) for each eligible student for up to two tax years (100% of the first $1,200 ($2,400 for students in a Midwestern disaster area) and 50% of the second $1,200 ($2,400 for students in a Midwestern disaster area) paid for qualified expenses). The Hope credit is only available until each student's first two years of postsecondary education are complete.

The exact amount of the Hope credit also depends on a family's income, the amount of qualified tuition and fees paid, and the amount of certain scholarships and allowances subtracted from tuition. The total credit is also based on how many eligible students are in a family. This differs from the Lifetime Learning Credit which sets a maximum dollar amount for a family.

The Lifetime Learning Credit is a nonrefundable tax credit available to individuals who file a tax return and owe taxes. The amount of the credit is subtracted from the taxes owed, rather than reducing taxable income as with a tax deduction. Individuals who do not pay taxes are not eligible for a Lifetime Learning credit. If a taxpayer owes less in taxes than the amount of Lifetime Learning tax credit they are eligible for, they are only eligible for a credit equal to the amount of taxes they owe.

A family may claim a tax credit of up to $2,000 per tax year for the taxpayer, taxpayer's spouse, or any eligible dependents for an unlimited number of tax years. The amount of the Lifetime Learning credit is 20% of the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses paid for all eligible students. Therefore, the maximum amount of a Lifetime Learning tax credit is $2,000. The Lifetime Learning credit is available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses taken to acquire or improve job skills, unlike the Hope credit which is only available for two years.

The actual amount of the credit depends on a family's income, the amount of qualified tuition and fees paid, and the amount of certain scholarships and allowances subtracted from tuition. This credit is family-based (up to $2,000 per tax return), unlike the Hope credit which is based on the number of eligible dependents in a family.

For additional information, consult a tax advisor or visit
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

VETERANS BENEFITS

The Financial Aid Office provides information about G.I. Bill benefits for veterans, eligible dependents of veterans, members of the National Guard, Selected Reserves, and active duty service persons. This office assists students in applying for benefits and certifies enrollment to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

For information on Veteran and Dependent VA Education Benefits call 1-888-442-4551 or access online at www.gibill.va.gov. Most veterans are responsible to pay tuition and fees by the College's tuition due date. Veterans applying for benefits for the first time should expect a six to eight week wait until the first check from the Department of Veterans Affairs arrives.