fbpx
Contact Us Apply

Newsroom

Archive: May 2025

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

    Posted May 15, 2025 at 12:19 pm

    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

    Posted May 7, 2025 at 9:29 am

    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.