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Somerset Trust Donates $20,000 To College’s EITC Fund

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation was presented with a check for $20,000 from Somerset Trust Company, with the donation intended to bolster the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund.

The donation will enable the bank (based in Somerset, PA), as well as other institutions, to support educational causes offered by the College. With Penn Highlands also applying for and maintaining its EITC status, the donation will help the College offer classes at a reduced price for its Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program/dual enrollment students.

“John Kubinsky, who is on our Foundation Board of Directors, has been generous to the College over the years,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “He has made multiple donations, and this year he chose EITC. John believes in our mission and values growth in our community.”

EITC provides high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses, earn credits, and explore what Penn Highlands has to offer for their future.

This marks the fourth contribution Somerset Trust Company has made to the EITC fund since 2023.

“Somerset Trust Company is pleased to support the community-focused, educational mission of Penn Highlands,” stated John Kubinsky, Somerset Trust Company Vice President and Commercial Credit Officer. “The College is a valued asset to our area. Its degrees and programs support the region’s ongoing economic and workforce needs.”

The EITC Program has received more than $40,000 in funds over the past two years, allowing the College to award more than 7,000 credits at discounted rates to over 2,000 participating students in the past year alone.

Members of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Administration and Board of Trustees pose with the donation from Somerset Trust Company. Those pictured include, from left, back: Ed Porada, Jeff Wood, Penn Highlands President Dr. Steve Nunez, Omar Strohm, Dave Mordan; middle: Lladel Lichty, Nancy D’Aniello, Traci Naugle, Bobbi Ream, Doug Puchko; front: Director of the Foundation Carole VanMeter and Somerset Trust Company Vice President and Commercial Credit Officer John Kubinsky.

Supporting Scholars Donate 200+ Items To Mom’s House, Inc. Of Johnstown

Members of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College’s Supporting Scholars recently completed their second Spring Service Project by collecting and giving donations to Mom’s House, Inc. of Johnstown. 

Over the month of April, the group collected donations from churches, friends, families, and their communities, as well as hosting a bake sale that raised more than $360 to purchase additional items for the organization. 

In total, the Scholars donated more than 200 items, including diaper wipes, juice boxes, and more. 

“When tasked with figuring out service projects, the Supporting Scholars were committed to making a meaningful impact on the local community, particularly its youth,” stated Nikki Wright, Supporting Scholars Chair. “They showed strong enthusiasm for supporting Mom’s House, Inc. in Johnstown by organizing a donation drive to benefit mothers and their children.” 

Mom’s House, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides safe, secure, and completely free childcare to single and abused parents wishing to continue their education or job training.  

Since its establishment in 2009, Mom’s House, Inc. of Johnstown has achieved a STARS 4 rating from Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS program, which serves as a benchmark for quality in early childhood education. In 2021, the organization was honored with accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 

The scholars also completed a service project in March, collecting and donating more than 600 items for the Cambria County Clothing Boutique. 

More information on Mom’s House, Inc. can be found on their website and Facebook page.  

Penn Highlands Supporting Scholars pose with the donations for Mom’s House, Inc. Of Johnstown on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Pictured from left to right are scholars Hannah Miklos, Lauren Lockard, Tori Harrison, Sydney Scott, and Ava Dobransky.

Commencement For 30th Graduating Class Set For May 16

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will hold a Commencement Ceremony for the Thirtieth Graduating Class on Friday, May 16th, at 6 PM in the Richland Campus Auditorium (101 Community College Way, Johnstown, PA).

Student Senate President and Student Trustee Adelyn Dull, of Hollsopple, PA, will give this year’s Commencement Address. She will obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice during the ceremony.

Dull will share her message with the over 300 graduates planning to attend. Also addressing the graduates will be Penn Highlands Community College President Dr. Steve Nunez, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Dr. Janet Grady, Cambria County President Commissioner Scott Hunt, and Faculty Senate President Greg Paonessa.

In addition to awarding associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the ceremony, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will also present the Distinguished Graduate Award. This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Pennsylvania Highlands and the surrounding community, all while achieving outstanding academic performance.

For those unable to attend, a Commencement live stream is available on the College’s YouTube channel.

College Receives $1 Million Dual Credit Innovation Grant

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has announced Pennsylvania Highlands Community College as one of the higher education recipients of a 2025 Dual Credit Innovation Grant.

The $1 million grant will fund scholarships and programs aimed at greatly expanding access to affordable dual credit classes for eligible high school students in rural, central Pennsylvania. The aid will be dispersed over a two-year period from July 2025 through June 2027.

Dual enrollment, sometimes known as concurrent enrollment, is a college program which allows high school students to enroll into college-level classes at Penn Highlands. Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take affordable college classes, which will then accelerate their ability to graduate from college at either Penn Highlands Community College or another higher education institution.

This grant will provide financial assistance to students who may not be able to afford dual enrollment classes, or to students who may not have considered attending college after earning their high school diploma. Additionally, the College will hire another dual enrollment specialist who will advise high school students on the best way to maximize their dual enrollment experience – saving time and money if they pursue a college degree later.

“We are thrilled to receive the 2025 Dual Credit Innovation Grant, which will significantly enhance our ability to provide high-quality, affordable dual enrollment opportunities to deserving high school students in the rural communities we serve,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands Community College President. “This grant underscores our commitment to educational excellence, the support to our communities, and our dedication to supporting the academic success of our students.”

Penn Highlands has offered a highly respected and accredited dual enrollment program that has served the rural communities of central Pennsylvania since 2004. The College is known for its commitment to quality, affordability, and exceptional support for dual enrollment students.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, the College served 1,697 dual enrollment students across 52 school districts, collectively earning 7,658 college credits. The program continues to grow, with the 2024-2025 academic year already surpassing previous benchmarks. The College has expanded its reach to additional districts and locations, including State College, Bellefonte, Moshannon Valley, Somerset County Technology Center, and DuBois Central Catholic. To date, 1,537 students have earned 8,130 dual enrollment credits in the current academic year.

Accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) since 2014, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is one of only two NACEP-accredited dual enrollment institutions in the state – and currently the sole accredited community college in Pennsylvania.

“This grant will allow us to expand our reach and impact, providing more students with the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school,” stated Kay-Leigh Davis, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “We are proud of our program’s growth and the strong partnerships we have built with local school districts, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community with exceptional educational offerings.”

Click here for more information on the College’s Dual Enrollment process. 

Supporting Scholars Donate Over 600 Items To Cambria County Clothing Boutique

Members of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College’s Supporting Scholars recently donated over 600 items to the Cambria County Clothing Boutique as a part of their Spring Service Project.

The Scholars created collection boxes and received donations through the month of March at multiple College locations. The items included pants, hangers, combs, toothbrushes, and more.

“After I learned of the Cambria County Clothing Boutique’s mission, it really hit close to home,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “They are making a great impact in the local community, so we jumped at the chance to help them out.”

The Cambria County Clothing Boutique provides seasonal and school appropriate attire, as well as hygiene products, to school districts within Cambria County. The goal is to ensure that all children are adequately dressed for learning.

“We were flattered by the donations,” stated Lisa Campbell, Founder of Cambria County Clothing Boutique. “It was great because it was items we truly need. Pants and hygiene products are so important for the children, and most times, we can hardly keep them in stock, but they are going to where they are most needed.”

Interested donors can reach out to the Cambria County Clothing Boutique via its website, Facebook, or Instagram.

Penn Highlands Supporting Scholars pose with the donations for the Cambria County Clothing Boutique on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Pictured from left to right are Hannah Miklos, Sydney Scott, Ava Dobransky, Cambria County Clothing Boutique founder Lisa Campbell, Supporting Scholars Committee chair Nikki Wright, Lily Schrock, Lauren Lockard, and Emma Weicht.