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College Receives MTTC Grant To Train Students In Manufacturing

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the Shapiro Administration is investing $40,000 through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) in the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Work Ready program to help build Pennsylvania’s future workforce. The Cambria County program works with local manufacturers to train students with the critical skills needed to successfully join the workforce, as well as career advancement training for those looking to take on leadership roles in the manufacturing industry.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will use the MTTC grant to train nearly 200 students in Cambria and Somerset counties through their Work Ready classes, in partnership with local manufacturers. In addition to on-the-job training, the courses will help students improve soft skills such as customer service, communication, time management, and professional etiquette.

“The Shapiro Administration understands that in order for our economy to thrive, we must invest in our workforce,” said DCED Secretary Siger. “Our students need skills to successfully begin their careers in Pennsylvania — filling critical positions and building up the Commonwealth’s future for years to come. Partnering with local industry leaders strengthens our workforce pipelines and ensures skilled professionals are meeting the evolving workplace needs of today and tomorrow.”

Governor Shapiro and his Administration are committed to investing in classroom-to-career and apprenticeship programs to provide skill-building opportunities for Pennsylvanians and a strong workforce for businesses. Having robust job training programs across Pennsylvania will provide pathways for workers to earn family-sustaining wages and help build vibrant communities.

“DCED’s Manufacturing Training-to-Careers grant represents a critical investment in the future of the program’s participants,” said Julie Davis, Director of Workforce Education at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “By bridging classroom instruction with real-world manufacturing experience, this grant provides participants with access to industry-aligned training. Participants will earn Essential Skills certificates that lead to employment or additional educational opportunities, as well as become equipped with the practical skills that today’s employers seek.”

With locations in Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Centre, and Somerset counties, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has local business and educational partners that are essential for providing feedback and guidance for this project, including BCL Manufacturing/Blue Diamond Holdings, GapVax, Inc., JWF Industries, Forest Hills School District, Greater Johnstown School District, Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center, and Windber Area School District.

“Work readiness skills are important to our company and staff because it takes an abundance of resources to onboard inexperienced individuals, lacking in skillsets that are necessary in manufacturing,” said Deborah Cover, Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Employee Development at GapVax, Inc.

The Shapiro Administration also believes there is no wrong path to finding success in the workforce, increasing funding for vo-tech, career and technical education, and apprenticeships by nearly $65 million over the last two years. Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget proposal places a special emphasis on investing in the future of our workforce, increasing competitiveness, strengthening communities, and addressing critical housing needs.

The budget includes:

• $12.5 million dedicated to WEDnetPA to expand our workforce and close critical workforce gaps
• $2 million for the creation of Career Connect to build internships at Pennsylvania companies
• $50 million to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and spur life science job growth
• $50 million investment in Housing Stock Restoration
• $10 million increase for the Act 47 Distressed Municipalities Program to support communities in financial recovery

For more information about the MTTC program or DCED, visit the agency’s website.

Original article was posted by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. To view the original article, click here.

Dr. Sara Conroy Named Vice President Of Academic Affairs & Student Services

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has appointed Dr. Sara Conroy as the College’s new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services.

Dr. Sara Conroy, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services.

Dr. Conroy joins Penn Highlands after a successful 13-year tenure at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) in Pittsburgh. Since 2021, she has served as the Dean of the Business and Technology Academic Division, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.

As Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services at Penn Highlands, Dr. Conroy draws on her extensive experience to support student achievement and academic excellence. She is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes both educational quality and student success.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Penn Highlands,” Dr. Conroy stated. “I see tremendous opportunities here, not only in the strength of our existing programs, but also in how I can contribute through my own background and experience. Higher education has changed dramatically in just the last five to ten years, and I’m deeply aware of how important it is to stay forward-thinking and adaptable. I look forward to helping guide Penn Highlands into a strong and sustainable future.”

She holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Management and Leadership and a Master of Science in Taxation from Robert Morris University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Management Information Systems and a certificate in Leadership and Ethics from the University of Pittsburgh.

Outside of her profession, Dr. Conroy is heavily involved in the community, serving in three separate roles for Freeport Borough – Council Member, Chair of Finance Committee, and Co-Chair of Parks and Recreation Committee. She is also a member of the Freeport Renaissance Association, a mentor for PittBusiness, and has actively served on the University of Pittsburgh’s Business Alumni Advisory Board for six years, previously serving as the first vice-president of the board.

“What further confirmed my decision were the candid, strategic conversations I had with the President about the future of higher education, the evolving needs of our students, and how Penn Highlands is positioning itself to meet those challenges,” Dr. Conroy stated. “Those behind-the-scenes insights gave me a clear picture of a college that is not only aware of the shifting landscape, but is actively planning for it, and I knew I wanted to be part of that work.”

Foundation Awards Over $100,000 In Scholarships For the 2025-2026 Academic Year

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is set to award over $100,000 in scholarships to deserving students for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This includes $63,250 designated for the Supporting Scholars program, which encompasses the Emerging Leader Scholarship ($2,000 annually per student) and the Presidential Scholarship ($6,000 annually per student) for both first-year and second-year recipients. The Foundation will also award 20 scholarships, collectively amounting to $37,000, to students.

Those being awarded scholarships include:

Supporting Scholars – Presidential Scholarship

First Year

• Gina Lane (Elmora, PA)
• Skyler Wilson (South Fork, PA)

Second Year

• Gina Pettenati (Ashville, PA)
• Sydney Scott (Boswell, PA)

Supporting Scholars – Emerging Leader Scholarship

First Year

• Ellie Bender (Ashville, PA)
• Emily Bennett (Johnstown, PA)
• Bree Carnahan (Penn Run, PA)
• Bella Francona (Claysburg, PA)
• Lilliana Hardman (Martinsburg, PA)
• Brianna Litzinger (Johnstown, PA)
• Riley Olish (Northern Cambria, PA)
• Lakin Pierce (Hastings, PA)
• Maleigha Younkin (Confluence, PA)

Second Year

• Ava Dobransky (Northern Cambria, PA)
• Tori Harrison (Portage, PA)
• Emmie Johns (South Fork, PA)
• Lauren Lockard (Portage, PA)
• Hannah Miklos (Johnstown, PA)
• Jacob Nolan (Portage, PA)
• Kaitlin Smith (Martinsburg, PA)
• Ethan Usrey (Johnstown, PA)
• Emma Weicht (Everett, PA)

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Johnstown Branch Scholarship

• Caitlyn Carnahan (Patton, PA)

College Employee-Supported Scholarship

• Shelby Criss (Monongahela, PA)

Dale W. Miller Scholarship

• Jacob Buckley (Mapleton Depot, PA)

Daniel and Diane Holtzman Scholarship

• Cameron Middleton (South Fork, PA)

Dr. Anna D. Weitz Scholarship

• Gina Pettenati (Ashville, PA)

Dr. Edward Haluska Scholarship

• Makiah Schartiger (Confluence, PA)

Dr. Walter and Kim Asonevich Scholarship

• Arlina Whitaker (Hollidaysburg, PA)

Gaynelle Schmieder Memorial Scholarship

• Bailey Norris (Huntingdon, PA)
• Shelby Criss (Monongahela, PA)

Griffith Family Scholarship

• Bailey Norris (Huntingdon, PA)

Huntingdon Hope Scholarship

• Jacob Buckley (Mapleton Depot, PA)

Ignite the Fire Culinary Scholarship

• Kathy Walker (Windber, PA)
• AJ Biggs (Johnstown, PA)
• Wayne Manna (Johnstown, PA)
• Kyree Bowie (Johnstown, PA)
• Allison Drass (Altoona, PA)
• Zakareyah Salem (Johnstown, PA)
• Gracie Pfeil (Johnstown, PA)

Joe and Ruth Corle Memorial Scholarship

• Ethan Usrey (Johnstown, PA)

Joseph and Joan Mangarella Scholarship

• Shelby Criss (Monongahela, PA)
• Felicia Waybright (Bedford, PA)

Kathy Holtzman Memorial Scholarship

• Cameron Middleton (South Fork, PA)

Learning Lamp Scholarship

• Jasmine LaRue (Johnstown, PA)

Roth Family Scholarship

• Lilliana Hardman (Martinsburg, PA)
• Arlina Whitaker (Hollidaysburg, PA)

Sara & Salvatore (Sam) Valenty Scholarship

• Alex Crist (New Paris, PA)

Spruce Street Animal Clinic Scholarship

• Jacob Buckley (Mapleton Depot, PA)
• Bailey Norris (Huntingdon, PA)

Ursula Pawlowski Memorial Scholarship

• Makiah Schartiger (Confluence, PA)

“It is truly inspiring to see the dedication and hard work of these students being recognized,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “These scholarships not only reward their past achievements, but also invest in their future potential. Penn Highlands recognizes that student success can provide individuals with the opportunity to change their lives.”

About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation 
Established in 1995, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is a non-profit educational trust under Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation seeks and secures financial support to advance the mission of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College by fostering relationships and managing resources. It focuses on providing scholarships, supporting academic programs, and promoting faculty and staff development to meet the College’s and community’s educational needs. Through donations, events, grants, and deferred giving, the Foundation enriches student opportunities and strengthens community partnerships. 

Three Faculty Members Earn Advancement In Rank

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has promoted three faculty members, recognizing their dedication to teaching excellence, advising, professional development, and service to both the college and the wider community.

Their work with students is exemplary and serves as an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. The new status of each faculty member will become effective in August 2025.

Eligible faculty members undergo a rigorous application and review process that assesses their effectiveness in full-time teaching, advising, professional development, and service to Penn Highlands and the community.

Faculty earning advancement in rank:

Dr. Morgan Dugan, from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education. Dr. Dugan began her career with Pennsylvania Highlands in August of 2018. Prior to that, she was employed as an elementary teacher at Greater Johnstown School District. She teaches courses in Early Childhood Education. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a M.Ed. from Saint Francis University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.

Marie Polka, from Associate Professor to Professor, Mathematics. Ms. Polka began her full-time career with Pennsylvania Highlands in August of 2015. Prior to that, she was an adjunct at Pennsylvania Highlands and Penn State Altoona. She has also taught at IUP. Ms. Polka teaches courses in Mathematics. She has a B.S. in Education with a Mathematics Concentration from The Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from IUP.

Matthew Stumpf, from Instructor to Assistant Professor, English. Mr. Stumpf began his full-time teaching career with Pennsylvania Highlands in August of 2022. Prior to that, he taught courses in Literature, Technical Writing, and Composition at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Highlands as an adjunct instructor. He currently teaches courses in Composition, Business Writing, and Literature. Mr. Stumpf has a B.A. in English Literature from California University of Pennsylvania and an M.A. in English Literature from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been serving the region since 1994 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Summer Open House Planned For July

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is hosting its Summer Admissions & Athletics Open House on Wednesday, July 16. This event will take place at the College’s Richland Campus, as well as its locations in Blair, Centre County, Ebensburg, and Somerset.

The Open House will have one session beginning at 2 PM. Those who wish to attend can RSVP here. The event is open to the public.

“If you’re considering starting classes in the fall, this is a great time to see how your local community college can benefit you,” stated Matthew Bodenschatz, Director of Recruiting & Admissions.

Attendees will explore the admissions and financial aid processes, gain insight into activities, academics, and athletics, enjoy a guided tour, and engage in one-on-one discussions with an admissions counselor to plan their future.

Those attending will have the chance to connect with a faculty member specializing in their area of study. The Richland Campus will host three to four faculty members, while others will have one or two.

Directions and addresses for all locations can be found here.

Those who fill out a survey after attending will be entered into a drawing for a $250 Fall 2025 scholarship.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been serving the region since 1994 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.