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College Launches Two New Media Certificate Programs

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced the addition of two new certificate programs to its Business & Communication Pathway, as a 27-credit Certificate in Broadcast News and Video Production and a 27-credit Certificate in Social Media and Radio Broadcasting will begin in Fall 2026. 

Both programs were designed to meet regional workforce demands while broadening access to high-quality media production training. Each combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience in professional broadcast environments. 

“Hands-on learning gives students the opportunity to apply what they are learning in the classroom in real-world settings, building both the technical skills and confidence needed to enter today’s media workforce,” stated Kay-Leigh Davis, Dean of Academic Affairs. “These certificate programs are designed to connect students directly with industry experiences, helping them develop practical skills while exploring meaningful career pathways in broadcast, video, radio, social media production, and influencing.” 

The Broadcast News and Video Production Certificate gives students hands-on training in television news gathering, studio and field camera operation, production techniques, video editing, and graphic creation.  

The Social Media and Radio Broadcasting Certificate builds skills in social media management, content production and distribution, introductory on-air broadcasting, and audio recording. 

Each program includes an opportunity for apprenticeship-style learning at partners, such as WJAC-TV, a Sinclair Broadcast Group station, and Seven Mountains Media, where students complete two three-credit apprenticeships, one each semester. 

These certificates also stack into the College’s existing Associate of Applied Science in Media Production, giving students a clear path to a degree. 

Coursework for both programs will be completed primarily in person at the Richland Campus, with select courses available online as part of the College’s regular schedule. 

Click here for more information on these and our full list of academic programs.

Penn Highlands And Conemaugh Expand Partnership With New Surgical Technology Degree

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has partnered with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center’s School of Surgical Technology to launch a new Surgical Technology (A.A.S.) degree, with the program set to begin in the Fall 2026 semester.

The new program will provide students with specialized education and hands-on training, preparing them for success in surgical settings. Through this partnership, the two institutions combine academic instruction with practical experience to equip students for high-demand careers in the operating room and strengthen the regional healthcare workforce.

“Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College through the launch of this new Surgical Technology degree program,” said Rodney Reider, CEO of Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. “By combining high-quality academic instruction with hands-on clinical experience, we are creating meaningful opportunities for students to pursue rewarding healthcare careers close to home while helping address the growing workforce needs across our region. This program reflects our shared commitment to educating the next generation of skilled healthcare professionals and strengthening the communities we serve.”

The Surgical Technology degree consists of 61 total credits completed over five semesters, including a summer session at the end of the second year. Students will attend daytime classes in person at the College’s Richland Campus, while clinical courses will be held at the Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology.

As part of the program structure, Penn Highlands accepts a block transfer of 30 credits from the Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology toward the Associate of Applied Science degree in Pre-Health Professions: Surgical Technology. This pathway allows students to combine specialized clinical training with college-level coursework in a clear and efficient format.

“This new Surgical Technology degree reflects the strength of our long‑standing partnership with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and our shared commitment to meeting regional workforce needs,” said Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “By combining Penn Highlands’ strong academic foundation with Conemaugh’s exceptional clinical training, we are creating clear, efficient pathways for students to enter high‑demand healthcare careers while strengthening the healthcare workforce that serves our communities.”

To earn the degree, students must first apply to and be accepted by Conemaugh’s School of Surgical Technology. Eligibility requires meeting all admission criteria set by the School of Surgical Technology, which includes completing any prerequisite coursework with a satisfactory grade of “C” or higher.

The new agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Penn Highlands Community College and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. Together, the two institutions now offer four associate degree pathways: Histotechnology, Paramedic, Surgical Technology, and Radiologic Technology. The expanded collaboration reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for in-demand healthcare roles and supporting the workforce needs of local employers and communities.

The partnership between Penn Highlands and Conemaugh offers students unparalleled access to the skills and experience vital for success in today’s healthcare industry. This collaboration opens doors to state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and immersive hands-on training in real-world clinical settings.

Tapping into Conemaugh’s extensive network of professionals and resources ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel in their fields. By creating a pipeline of qualified, job-ready graduates, this partnership not only fosters academic and professional development, but also strengthens the local workforce and addresses regional healthcare challenges.

Penn Highlands contributes a strong foundation of academic excellence, innovative curricula, and a steadfast commitment to student success. With experienced educators and modern infrastructure, the College cultivates an environment that encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Penn Highlands Secures Reaffirmation Of Accreditation From Middle States Through 2034

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has received reaffirmation of accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Commission granted the reaffirmation on June 25, confirming that the College continues to meet the rigorous standards of quality and accountability expected of accredited institutions of higher education.

The reaffirmation followed a comprehensive multi-year self-study and an on-site evaluation visit by Commission representatives held March 22–25. The peer review team visited the College’s main campus in Johnstown, along with the Somerset Center. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2033–2034.

“This reaffirmation reflects what we strive to demonstrate every day — that Pennsylvania Highlands is deeply committed to expanding opportunities and improving lives through education. We are proud to serve our students and communities by providing a high-quality, affordable, and accessible education that prepares individuals for success while helping meet the workforce and economic needs of our region,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands. “I am incredibly proud of the dedication and collaboration demonstrated by our faculty, staff, and administrators throughout this process, as well as the steadfast support and stewardship of our Board of Trustees. This milestone reflects a shared commitment to serving our students and strengthening our communities.”

Accreditation by MSCHE is a mark of institutional quality that carries real benefits for students. As one of the nation’s recognized institutional accreditors, MSCHE accredits a broad range of colleges and universities across the region, including well-known institutions in Pennsylvania and beyond. It allows the College to administer federal grants and student loans, supports the smooth transfer of academic credit to other institutions, and ensures that coursework is recognized by accredited colleges, universities, and professional schools. The process itself relies on peer review and self-appraisal, encouraging institutions to reflect honestly on their work and to improve continually.

The self-study drew on broad participation across the College. Faculty, staff, administrators, and Board of Trustees gathered information, examined data, and worked together to document how the institution supports student success. That collaborative effort produced a report that will guide the College’s planning and priorities in the years ahead.

In reaching its decision, the MSCHE team affirmed that the College meets all affiliation requirements and the Commission’s seven accreditation standards:

• Mission and goals
• Ethics and integrity
• Design and delivery of the student learning experience
• Support of the student experience
• Educational effectiveness assessment
• Planning, resources, and institutional improvement
• Governance, leadership, and administration

Pennsylvania Highlands first earned MSCHE accreditation on June 26, 2002, and its accreditation was previously reaffirmed on June 22, 2017. This latest reaffirmation continues a record of sustained quality that spans more than two decades.

Women’s Volleyball Releases 2026 Season Schedule

The Pennsylvania Highlands Women’s Volleyball team has released its schedule for the 2026 season, consisting of 19 matches spanning August through October.

After 16 years in Division III, this season marks the Black Bears’ debut in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II.

Penn Highlands, the 2025 Region 20 runner-up in Division III, will play eight of its contests at home, including two tri-matches. The Black Bears will kick off their season against Butler County Community College on August 28 at 6 PM.

Home matches will be played inside the main gymnasium at the College’s Richland Campus. All scheduled dates and times are subject to change. The full home schedule is as follows:

Following completion of the regular season, qualified teams will compete in the Region 20 Tournament beginning October 27. First-round matchups will be hosted by the higher-seeded team.

The tournament semifinals and championship match will then be held October 31 and November 1, respectively, at Cecil College in North East, Maryland. The Region 20 champion will advance to the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament for an opportunity to earn a berth in the NJCAA Championships,

Click here for the full 2026 season schedule.

Somerset Trust Invests $220K In Local Students; Expands Dual Enrollment Access Through College Foundation’s EITC Fund

Somerset 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. 

Click here to learn more about the College’s EITC program.