Somerset Trust Invests $220K In Local Students; Expands Dual Enrollment Access Through College Foundation’s EITC Fund
Posted July 20, 2026 at 11:24 amSomerset Trust Company has donated $220,000 to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation, directing the contribution to the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund.
The generous contribution will support the cost of free three-credit dual enrollment courses for eligible high school students in Cambria and Somerset Counties, subject to program funding availability. In total, more than 900 students may be impacted by the donation, with participants expected from every high school in Cambria and Somerset Counties.
The EITC program allows Somerset Trust and other eligible businesses to invest directly in Penn Highlands’ educational initiatives that benefit regional high school students. The College’s ACE Dual Enrollment Program allows eligible high school students to take college courses, earning credits that can be transferred to Penn Highlands Community College or most other higher education institutions substantially reducing the overall cost and time required to earn a college degree. The addition of EITC-supported funding ensures that more students, regardless of financial circumstances, can take advantage of this opportunity.
“This investment from Somerset Trust Company represents a powerful commitment to the future of our students and our region,” said Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “By removing financial barriers to college-level courses, we are opening doors for students to achieve more, explore their interests, make informed decisions about their educational and career goals, and dramatically accelerate their time to completion.”
The College’s dual enrollment program reaches approximately 1,800 high school students in Cambria, Somerset, and surrounding counties. Donations to the EITC program help keep the cost of the program affordable for all students.
Sean Cook, President and CEO of Somerset Trust Company, said the bank’s investment reflects its longstanding commitment to educational opportunity and its confidence in Penn Highlands’ ability to provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality college experiences for local students.
“Somerset Trust has a long history of supporting educational initiatives in the communities we serve,” Cook stated. “We’re proud to partner with Penn Highlands so we can provide high school students in Somerset and Cambria County with the opportunity to take one college course at no cost. Their program is making a meaningful difference and giving students the chance to get ahead both academically and financially.”
The contribution reflects a shared commitment between Somerset Trust and Penn Highlands to expand access, reduce student debt, and prepare the next generation of learners for college and career success.