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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.