Summer classes
begin this May and July.

Mike spent many years going down a path that just didn’t work out the way he imagined. After barely making ends meet, he pretty much gave up on the prospect of a better life. Mike later realized he wanted to strive for more. Through this revelation, he decided to pursue his passions through higher education. He ultimately earned a degree in Network Administration and then moved on to earn his bachelor’s degree. Mike now has s successful career as a software engineer, where he develops healthcare apps for the region.

After high school, Sadie wasn’t prepared to attend a large institution. Instead, she was the first in her family to attend a community college. Sadie fell in love with the small class sizes and personal one-on-one interaction with professors and staff. She felt that everyone cared about her. Sadie credits Penn Highlands with helping her determine her future. She decided to follow in her family’s footsteps of becoming a doctor. There has been a doctor in her family for over 100 years, now Sadie plans to be the next.

Casey formed his company (Assett Conventions, LLC) shortly after he earned a Business Management degree from Pennsylvania Highlands in 2011. Fast forward to now, Sci-Fi Valley Con runs for three days every June, attracting more than 6,000 attendees, 300 exhibitors, and over 10 celebrity guests each year to the Blair County area in a single weekend. Casey credits his education with helping him start his company and ultimately create Sci-Fi Valley Con.

After graduating from Conemaugh Valley High School, Leah got the education she needed from Penn Highlands to have a successful career. In order to become a radiologic technologist, Leah had to pass a board-certified exam first. She credits Penn Highlands with giving her the confidence and education she needed to pass it. With some help from Penn Highlands, Leah was able to get a job as a radiologic technologist the same month that she graduated, and has since become an integral part of our region.

Bill started his educational journey at the age of 47. Six years later, he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Supported by his wife, children, and grandchildren, he had the support he needed to work full-time while attending college at night. As Bill progressed through college his skills improved. He was promoted to Sales Supervisor and then ultimately Brand Manager at a local beverage distributor. Bill credits Penn Highlands with helping him get to where he is in his career today: as a successful manager.

Liz never thought of attending a community college before. In fact, she started at a large university where she promptly dropped out. Liz took two years off before trying college again, this time she gave Penn Highlands a try. She found the place she can finally call home; a place where she could see that her education mattered to those around her. She credits Penn Highlands Community College with helping change her life.

Meet Shea Berrier, a student who came to Penn Highlands through the local CareerLink and overcame many obstacles to become a graduate. He realized Pennsylvania Highlands was the right fit because of the quality education, along with the number of transfer agreements offered. Penn Highlands changed Shea’s life because it opened doors and allowed him to accomplish many things. He obtained a National Certified Peer Support Specialist certification and a bachelor’s in Behavioral Science with a minor in Social Work. He is currently at the Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships as an Intensive Case Manager who works with the Problem Solving Courts of Blair County.

Sydney planned to attend a four-year university, but the pandemic changed her world and she chose Penn Highlands. Sydney quickly discovered that Penn Highlands would save her thousands of dollars and keep her closer to family and friends. She found many opportunities to get involved, including community service and Student Senate, and she is excelling.

“The professors are super involved in the lives of their students, not just from an academic standpoint, not just grading tests. They actually care.” Meet Alex Ashcom, a lifelong resident of Johnstown who went on to become a first-generation college graduate. After high school, Alex planned to enter the military but was convinced by a friend to take some classes. It was his father’s dream to send his son to college and achieve a better life. Penn Highlands was that step. Alex proves that you can go far in life without having to leave the region.

“The number one thing that stood out for me was affordability. College tuition was something that I needed to pay for out of my own pocket and I knew that it was going to be challenging for me. Penn Highlands allowed me to have a budget friendly tuition and I was also able to work during college.” Meet Brooke James, a first-generation college graduate who jump-started her collegiate career with dual enrollment courses. She continued her studies at Penn Highlands and earned an associate degree, saving thousands of dollars along the way. Brooke graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice, which was put to good use in the banking world. Not long after, she was offered a full-time banking position and never looked back. Brooke credits Pennsylvania Highlands Community College with giving her the foundation she needed for her career.