Newsroom

Archive: Feb 2026

• College To Host Fourth Annual Literacy Night

  Posted February 11, 2026 at 1:39 pm

  Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and the Caring for Cubs Education Club are hosting the fourth annual Children’s Literacy Night on Monday, March 16, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at the College’s Richland Campus.

  Children’s Literacy Night is a free event open to all children from birth to age eight. Designed to foster literacy skills and promote a love for reading, this special evening offers a valuable opportunity to support academic development and introduce young learners to the world of literature.

  During the event, current Early Childhood Education and Education students will supervise children at various literacy stations. Every literacy station will offer a hands-on activity that suits the children’s developmental stage, encouraging active engagement. Each station will last approximately 10 minutes, ensuring optimal learning and enjoyment.

  The tentative schedule for Literacy Night is as follows:

  • 5:00 to 5:30 PM – Registration, Check-in, & Free Pizza/Drinks
  • 5:30 to 7:30 PM – Literary Rotations

  “This event began with a simple vision: to create a welcoming space where families and children could connect, learn, and enjoy food, literacy, and fun together,” stated Dr. Morgan Dugan, Associate Professor of Education. “It’s been a joy to see this vision come to life, with over 250 attendees last year leaving happy and engaged. Beyond its impact on families, the event also provides our education students with invaluable hands-on experience, helping them grow in confidence and purpose while serving the community.”

  All parents or guardians must attend the event with their child.

  Children’s Literacy Night is sponsored by the Penn Highlands Community College Caring for Cubs Education Club, Keystone State Literacy Association (KSLA), YMCA, Beginnings, Inc., Cambria County Library, United Way of Southern Alleghenies, Junior Achievement, and The Learning Lamp.

  Click here to learn more and to register. 

  

• Foundation’s Annual Puttapalooza Event Is Planned For March 13

  Posted February 9, 2026 at 12:23 pm

  The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation will hold this year’s annual Puttapalooza fundraiser on Friday, March 13, at the College’s Richland Campus.

  This will be the 14th rendition of the Foundation’s annual mini golf event, which raises money for the Supporting Scholars Fund and directly aids students with scholarship opportunities at Penn Highlands Community College.

  The event has raised more than $130,000 since its inception, averaging around $10,000 per year. In 2025, Puttapalooza raised over $8,000 for the Supporting Scholars Fund.

  “Puttapalooza is one of our favorite annual events because it’s simply fun,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “With the event falling on Friday the 13th this year, we’re adding a playful, superstitious twist to the course, along with small games like scratch‑offs and a prize wheel. This event is designed to be a relaxed and entertaining evening, offering a genuinely enjoyable experience while supporting a great cause.”

  Puttapalooza will feature 18 uniquely designed mini golf holes spread throughout the Richland Campus, along with food, a 50/50 drawing, and a raffle with prizes including an Amazon Echo Dot Max, JBL Sound Bar, Instant Pot, and more.

  Attendees of the event will enjoy a selection of appetizers followed by a dinner, all prepared and provided by Balance Restaurant. Somerset Trust Company is serving as the headline sponsor. Other sponsorship opportunities are also available.

  Click for more information, including sponsorships and registration.

  

• Spring 2026 Personal Enrichment Class Schedule Released

  Posted February 6, 2026 at 11:31 am

  Community Education at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has released its Spring 2026 class schedule, packed with opportunities for personal enrichment and hands-on learning.

  Running from March 9 to June 25, this lineup features 23 non-credit classes designed to inspire creativity, build skills, and connect the community.

  Interested individuals can choose from classes within five subject areas: Arts & Crafts, Computers, Food & Baking, and Spirits, as well as a new category – Gardening. For those looking to dive deeper, the program offers bundled package options, providing discounts for participants who enroll in multiple related classes.

  “These classes offer people the chance to gain some new experiences,” stated Matthew Pudliner, Pennsylvania Highlands Continuing Education Manager. “Participants enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, and often large groups attend together, making the experience even more enjoyable for everyone.”

  Several exciting new classes have been introduced to the schedule since fall, offering fresh opportunities to learn and explore, including three Cricut classes and a new calligraphy class. Mixology classes are also returning after a brief hiatus in the fall.

  Attendees can register for each class up to one week before the start date. Click here for a full class listing and registration information.