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College Launches Smart Start, Offering A Tuition-Free First Year For Cambria County Students

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced the launch of the Smart Start Promise Program (Smart Start), a transformative pilot initiative that enables recent Cambria County high school graduates to begin their college education with minimal to no personal expenses.

This program covers all tuition and comprehensive fees for up to 30 college credits during a student’s first year, ensuring that higher education remains accessible and affordable for local communities. Students may apply their funding toward any approved degree or certificate program, with the flexibility to take classes in-person or online.

Comprehensive fees are mandatory charges that colleges require from all students. These fees cover a wide range of non-academic services, student activities, and campus infrastructure. Smart Start now covers these costs for participants.

Students are still responsible for purchasing their own textbooks, classroom supplies, and any applicable course fees. The total cost for these items will vary depending on the student’s class load.

Smart Start acts as a last-dollar scholarship, reducing the need for students to take out loans for their initial year of study. By removing financial barriers, Penn Highlands aims to reduce student debt, improve local labor force participation, and encourage young talent to remain in the region.

“Since Cambria County sponsors Penn Highlands, local residents already benefit from the most affordable college tuition in the region,” said Dr. Steve Nunez, College President. “We are grateful to the Cambria County Commissioners for that longstanding commitment to affordability and access. Smart Start takes that commitment even further, ensuring that recent Cambria County high school graduates willing to do the work can complete their first year of college nearly free, without crippling student debt. Smart Start is a shared promise to our community that cost should never stand in the way of opportunity and hope.”

To qualify, applicants must be recent high school graduates who meet Cambria County residency requirements and enroll in at least six credits during the immediate fall or spring semester after their high school graduation. Other requirements include completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), applying for state grants, and seeking at least one external scholarship.

Once accepted, Smart Start participants receive academic and financial aid advising to better prepare for classes.

Smart Start is the result of strong collaboration between community partners and public leaders committed to expanding educational access and opportunity. The program is supported in part by a philanthropic investment from the 1889 Foundation, by the leadership of Representative Jim Rigby, who helped secure funding for Smart Start, and by Senator Wayne Langerholc, whose longstanding support and advocacy continue to benefit the College and its students.

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to review the full eligibility requirements and begin the application process to secure their tuition-free first year.

Contact the Admissions Office at 814.262.6446 or admissions@pennhighlands.edu for additional information.

Chris Weakley To Lead Women’s Basketball Program Alongside Men’s Team

Following two successful years at the helm of the Men’s Basketball team, Chris Weakley has been hired as Penn Highlands Community College’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach, making him the head coach of both programs at the College.

Chris Weakley

Weakley will lead the Women’s Basketball program into its first season of competition in over 25 years. The program last competed as an official NJCAA-sanctioned sport from 1998-2000, when the team was known as the Cambria County Area Community College Shawnee Cardinals.

“I’m very excited,” Weakley stated. “For the success we’ve had on the men’s side over the last two years, I believe that we’re going to bring some ladies in that can do the same thing and be successful. I don’t think we’re going to have to worry about waiting to win. We’re going to fit right in.”

Weakley has guided the Men’s Basketball team to back-to-back WPCC/Region 20 championships. In two years, the Black Bears have tallied six All-Conference and six All-Region selections, along with a Region 20 Division III Player of the Month honor and an NJCAA Division III National Player of the Week award.

Penn Highlands’ Region 20 title in 2024-25 was the first in program history. The Black Bears also collected their third and fourth conference championships overall, while compiling a 31-29 record over the past two seasons.

With his extensive basketball experience, which includes playing and coaching overseas in China, Japan, Brazil, Australia, and throughout Europe, as well as in the United States, Weakley said he looks forward to leading two programs.

“It should be a very smooth transition,” Weakley stated. “We’ll come in the summer, get everybody working together, and get stronger. We’ll get both the men and the women accustomed to practicing and playing at different times. That’s all I do is coach basketball, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Both the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams will compete at the Division II level of the NJCAA beginning with the 2026-27 seasons.

Click here for more information on Black Bears Athletics. 

Annual Student Engagement Awards Ceremony Set For April 23

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will host its annual Student Engagement Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 23, at 6 PM inside the Richland Campus Auditorium.

Awards will be presented to students who have achieved the highest academic level in their respective programs, as well as those who will be inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success and Phi Theta Kappa.

Club and athletic awards will also be given to those students involved in their respective clubs and sports. The club awards are based on both leadership and service.

“We are proud to celebrate our students who shine both inside and outside the classroom,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities and Athletics. “Many of our students are achieving remarkable success in their academic programs, clubs, organizations, and athletics. We aim to honor these exceptional students and ensure their hard work is acknowledged.”

Nominations for the Distinguished Graduate Award will also be presented during the ceremony. The Distinguished Graduate accolade recognizes a student who has dedicated their time and efforts to enriching Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and the surrounding community, while upholding an exemplary academic record.

The Distinguished Graduate Award will be presented at this year’s Commencement on May 15.

Click here for more information on the Student Engagement Awards Ceremony.

Supporting Scholars Raise Funds For Mom’s House, Inc.

Members of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College’s Supporting Scholars recently hosted a St. Patrick’s Day bake sale, with all proceeds going to Mom’s House, Inc. of Johnstown.

This two-day event raised over $375 to support the operational needs of Mom’s House.

“The Supporting Scholars look forward to this spring service project each year and truly value the opportunity to give back to the community,” stated Nikki Wright, Supporting Scholars Chair. “Supporting Mom’s House Inc. is especially meaningful. It allows them to make a positive difference in the lives of local families, while strengthening their connection to the community.”

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).

Supporting Scholars at Penn Highlands Community College complete multiple service projects per year, which have included a clothing drive for the Cambria County Clothing Boutique and a Pink Out event to benefit the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center.

More information on Mom’s House, Inc. can be found on their website and Facebook page.

Three Black Bears Named To Men’s Basketball All-Region Team

Three Pennsylvania Highlands men’s basketball players earned spots on the NJCAA Division III All-Region 20 Team, with sophomores Desmond Handon, Jr. and BJ Lavender being named to the First Team and freshman Ahmad Boone given Honorable Mention. 

Handon (Baltimore, MD) and Lavender (Tampa, FL) both capped their careers at Penn Highlands by being awarded First Team honors for the second consecutive season, as the Black Bears claimed their second straight WPCC/Region 20 Championship. 

Handon led the Black Bears in scoring (17.6 points per game), assists (3.9), and steals (2.3) while being second in rebounds per contest (7.5). He compiled seven double-doubles and two triple-doubles in 27 games played, while becoming the first-ever Penn Highlands player to have multiple triple-doubles in a season. 

Lavender finished just behind Handon at 17.5 points per game and averaged 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals. Lavender topped Penn Highlands with 490 total points in 28 games. 

Boone produced 15.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per contest during his first campaign in a Black Bears uniform. He tallied four double-doubles and eight games with 20 or more points. 

Handon, Lavender, and Boone were second, third, and fourth in Region 20 for points per game, respectively. Lavender was second in total points and field goals made, while leading in 3-pointers with 88. 

The three players were also awarded All-Conference honors following the WPCC/Region 20 Tournament, with Handon and Lavender being named for the second time. 

Click here for more information on Black Bear Athletics.