Newsroom

Penn Highlands & Commonwealth University Launch Transfer Scholarship Program

Graduates of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College are now eligible for a transfer scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree at any of Commonwealth University’s campuses. This scholarship is part of a broader transfer agreement development initiative between the two institutions.

The scholarships will be awarded in four separate tiers, with Tier 1 being the highest. Parameters include:

• Tier 1 (3.5 GPA or above at Penn Highlands) will award $4,500 annually if living in residence halls or $3,000 off-campus.
• Tier 2 (3.0 – 3.49 GPA at Penn Highlands) will award $3,500 annually if living in residence halls or $2,500 off-campus.
• Tier 3 (2.5 – 2.99 GPA at Penn Highlands) will award $2,500 annually if living in residence halls or $2,000 off-campus.
• Tier 4 (2.0 – 2.49 GPA at Penn Highlands) will award $1,500 annually if living in residence halls or $1,000 off-campus.

“We are thrilled with the creation of an articulation agreement with Commonwealth University,” stated Michelle Stumpf, Dean of Enrollment & Registrar. “Many of our students, particularly those from Centre County and our Bellefonte location, are eager to explore transfer opportunities closer to home. This new partnership will help our students complete both an associate and bachelor’s degree while minimizing education debt.”

Commonwealth University was established in 2022 with the merger of Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University, and Mansfield University. All institutions maintained their respective locations.

Penn Highlands currently holds articulation agreements with Commonwealth University through the statewide articulation program for majors in Business Administration, Computer Science, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

The College also holds a core-to-core agreement with Commonwealth University for any Associate of Arts or Science degree, meaning students will receive credit for the general education requirements of that institution.

More Program-to-Program pathway options between the institutions are currently under development.

You can learn more about this transfer scholarship option by visiting the Transfer From page on Commonwealth University’s webpage.

UPMC Health Plan Donates $5,000 To The College’s EITC Fund

UPMC Health Plan has contributed a $5,000 donation to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation. This contribution will be directed towards the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund, further advancing its mission to make higher education more accessible and affordable.

This impactful donation will enable UPMC Health Plan and other organizations to support the College’s educational initiatives, ensuring students have greater opportunities to succeed.

By maintaining its EITC status and with the support of this significant contribution, Penn Highlands will continue to offer classes at reduced rates for students in the Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program and those participating in dual enrollment.

“We are thrilled to welcome UPMC Health Plan as a first-time donor to our EITC program,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Penn Highlands Foundation. “Their commitment to supporting educational opportunities reflects a shared vision for affordable dual enrollment classes that foster student success.”

The EITC program supports high school students by providing access to college-level courses. Through this initiative, students can earn credits and explore the educational opportunities that Penn Highlands offers.

Since 2023, the EITC Program has now received more than $40,000 in funding, enabling the College to provide more than 7,000 credits at discounted rates to over 2,000 participating students.

Dean’s List For Fall 2025 Has Been Announced

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester.

Altoona – Kelly Adamiak, Beverly Ilene Amigh Auerbeck, Julius Anthony Colabove, Dawn Marie Cronmiller, Allison Kaylee Drass, Samantha Ida Esmaili, Sierra Rose Francisco, Morgan D. Hamel, Cody Lee Hartman, Brenda Louise Houck, Sara Krestar, Chelsea Dawn McMaster, McKayla Noel, William Miles Reading, Desiree Roberts, Charles G. Semelsberger, Emerson Jean Steinbugl, Maria June Stiver, Elaina Ashlynn Wallace, Hana Yagoub

Armagh – Kaylee Witten

Ashville – Ellie Marie Bender, Kasey Robin Farabaugh, Alainna Lynch, Gina Eve Pettenati Brittany Megan Shaner

Belle Vernon – Casey Marie Smith

Bellwood – Emma Price, Kristin Amber Weiand

Berlin – Lilah Eden Topper

Boswell – Syd Alexis Scott

Cairnbrook – Belinda Michele Baker, Zoe Marie Ketchock

Carrolltown – Erin Behe, Leah Joy Frederick, DJ Austin Weaver

Central City – Kaitlin K. Fisher, Rian Marie Klotz, Gretchen Mae Miller, Sara Sue Watkins

Centre Hall – Abby Elaine Tice

Claysburg – Galen Seymour

Clymer – Connor McClain

Confluence – Trinity Jean Hyatt, Makiah Lynn Schartiger, Maleigha Jo Younkin

Coudersport – Lilly Germaine Buchsen

Cresson – Baylee Nicole Proudfit, Ian David Rice

Davidsville – Gracyn L. Bittner, Tanner Kate Hunsberger, Jared Lafferty, Mya Lynn Nanna, Nick Yoder, Ella Mankamyer

Duncansville – Hunter W. Dawson

Dysart – Brandi Sue Collins

East Conemaugh – Aubree K. Himes

East Freedom – Brandi Jo Thompson

Ebensburg – Brandon J. Arotin, Skylar Marie Kovac

Elmora – Gina Marie Lane, Kenzie Grace Mulraney

Gray – Layla Rachelle Roch

Harrisburg – Patrice Robinson

Hastings – Marissa Renee Ball, Jade Elizabeth Farabaugh, Kayla Elizabeth Holtz, Stella Marie Illig, Abby Renee McAnulty, Lakin Nicole Pierce, Casey James Weakland, Kenadi Elizabeth Weakland

Heilwood – Brandi M. Horvath

Hollidaysburg – Bilal Yazen Naji, Alyson Elizabeth Thompson, Arlina Whitaker

Hollsopple – Jake Jeffrey Greig, Lily Mae Mohrbacker, Abby Paige Sarver, Amaya McKayla Springer

Howard – Lexi Evans

Huntingdon – Bailey Norris

Imler – Cayla Bussard

Indiana – Bree Lynn Carnahan

Jerome – Olivia Rose Weyandt

Johnstown – Isabella Anderson, Noah Xavier Anderson, Téa Ashcom, Casey Nathaniel Barrett, AJ Biggs, Paisley S. Britt, Emily E. Burkett, Jesse Zane Burkett, Marissa Camut, Nick Andrew Chonko, Samantha Nicole Chonko, Maddie Cichocki, Julia Clement, Ariel Robin Clickner, Aurora B. Croyle, Nevaeh Day, Sarah DeBose, Charlee Kristina Eckenrod, El Calistro Esparza, Emirson Grassmyer, Olivia Jane Grosik, Britt Ada Hamryszak, Savannah Dawn Hawks, Sydney Paige Heinlein, Emanuel R. Hill, Nolan Harris Hill, Maddie Caroline Hofecker, Elizabeth Esperonza Hollie-Grant, Ireland G. Howard, Taylor Lea Jarvis, Heaven Leigh Jones, Dane Matthew Jordan, Anika Rose Kaminsky, Connor Douglas Kleinosky, Rachel Kohn, Quinn C. Komar, Shawn M. Kornprobst, Carson Daniel Krupka, Brianna Noel Litzinger, Isabela Jolie Lute, Avery Claire Marshall, Jaelyn McClintock, Sean Thomas McNally, Alexandra Q. Mock, Zoe A. Nagle, Travis Niessner, Brynn Faith Pallone, Caci Elizabeth Polenik, Emilia Quezada, Brianna Joann Rager, Carson Michael Reckner, Morgan Leigh Rese, Hayleigh Rietscha, Gabrielle Louise Riffle, Sandi Joan Rivera, Brett Christopher Rokita, Zhanea Olivia Rowe, Zack John Ryan, Brayden Smith, Addison R. Synan, Bella Lorraine Synan, Arissa Raeann Thompson, Belle Toth, Ethan Matthew Usrey, Blaise M. Veney, Emma Jane Weicht, Josh Werner, Maisey R. Zvara

Ligonier – Jeana Bianco

Lilly – Greg Asberry, Nathan Kyle Scavoni

Loretto – Vinny M. Borruto, Andrew Robert Dillon

Loysburg – Nicole Smith

Mahaffey – Logan A. Chilcote

Manns Choice – Cody John Miller

Mapleton – Brody Kohler, Jacob Daniel Buckley

Martinsburg – Mark David Bettwy, Hannah E. Greenleaf, Lilly Marie Hardman, Kaitlin Marie Smith

Meyersdale – Paige Elizabeth Boyer, Ashlyn Paige Clayton, Taryn Leigh Miller

Millheim – Jacob Daniel Campbell

Mineral Point – Isabelle Grace Bearer, Zach Hunter Brandis, Jesse Johnson

Mingoville – Cecelia Christine McGovern

Monongahela – Shelby Criss

Mount Union – Kavanagh P. Edwards

Nanty Glo – Theresa Byron, Nikki Ann Pietrazak, Christopher Rhoades, Teague Spade

New Baltimore – Sarah Martin

New Enterprise – Cayden Lee Garman

New Florence – Tiffaney Jade Swartz

New Paris – Marley Grayce McMillen

Northern Cambria – Mandy Perrone, Justin P. Radcliffe, Kayla Marie Radcliffe, Makayla Grace Stephens

Osterburg – Nickie Sue VanPelt

Patton – Caitlyn Renae Carnahan, Reese Garrison, Ena Lee Lopez, Emerson Riley Packard, Brenda Rosenthal

Penn Run – Elaine R. Altemus, Lilly Anna Nichole Uhler

Philipsburg – Hannah Jane Mandell

Pleasant Gap – Blair Eckley-Jones

Portage – Hannah Michelle Hurtack, Lauren Marie Lockard, Jake Matthew Nolan

Revloc – Raven Makayla Lutman, Sharleen Waa

Roaring Spring – Kerstin Dawn Corle, Mya Nicole Giordano

Rockwood – Shania Ruth Ehrhardt, Luke Thomas Ream

Saint Benedict – Lexie Lee Kutchman

Saint Michael – Quinn Miguel Yuschick

Salisbury – Chelsey Penwell

Scranton – Tajada Oneal

Seward – Nikki Dawn Zimmerman

Shirleysburg – London C. Brumbaugh

Somerset – Reagan Michele Brenneman, Faith Renee Custer, Hailey Ann Friedline, Samantha Elizabeth Katz, Carlie Anne Knott, Aleah Marie Perry, Austin Lynn Reichhold

South Fork – Bella Marie Hunter, Emmie Marie Johns, Tresa Ann Mackel, Matthew O. Knepper

Spring Mills – Samantha Brown, Brandon Richard Corl, Maddie Bin Christian Shaffer

Spruce Creek – Hailey Dawn Weyer

Stoystown – Tara Jean King, Travis Jo Ware

Summerhill – Gus Christopher Wirfel

Tyrone – Morgan Elizabeth Crocefoglia, Adriana Elizabeth Kessler, Jaylynn McConnell, Leanna Jolene Rhoads, Jillian Nicole Soule

Williamsburg – Kayla Marie Kephart

Windber – David Anthony Bernecky, Madison Belle Cominsky, Carley Lynn Harr, Trinity Jade Klucik, Mason Carter Popovich, Cayden Taylor Thompson, Kat Lynn Walker

1ST SUMMIT BANK Donates $2,500 To College’s EITC Fund

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation has received a $2,500 donation from 1ST SUMMIT BANK, with the contribution being directed towards the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund.

The donation will empower the bank and other institutions to provide valuable support to the educational initiatives offered by the College.

This contribution plays a pivotal role in facilitating reduced-price class offerings for students enrolled in the Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program or participating in dual enrollment.

“Thanks to 1ST SUMMIT BANK’s continued investment in the EITC program, more students can experience college-level learning while still in high school,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “Their support keeps ACE and Dual Enrollment tuition among the lowest in the region, opening doors for families, and helping students prepare for successful futures.”

EITC provides high school students with the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses. By earning credits through this program, students can explore the offerings of Penn Highlands and gain valuable insights into their prospects.

Since 2023, the EITC Program has received over $35,000 in funding. enabling the College to provide over 2,000 participating students with more than 7,000 credits at discounted rates.

Penn Highlands President Dr. Steve Nunez (left), Director of the College Foundation Carole VanMeter, and 1ST SUMMIT BANK Assistant Vice President & Business Relationship Manager Sean McCool pose for a photo showing the bank’s donation to the College Foundation on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Black Bears Bowling Releases 2026 Season Schedule

The Pennsylvania Highlands Bowling Team has released its schedule for the 2026 campaign.

The defending Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) and Region 20 champions will compete in six regular season matches, two of which will be at home. Penn Highlands will also participate in two postseason tournaments, hoping to earn a spot in the NJCAA Bowling Championships.

Penn Highlands will begin its season by hosting a WPCC match on January 13 at 814 Lanes & Games in Johnstown. All dates and times are subject to change. The full regular season schedule is as follows:

The Black Bears will then compete in the WPCC Tournament on February 6 at Main Bowling Center and the Region 20 Tournament on February 13 at Coral Lanes & Lounge.

Qualifiers will advance to the NJCAA Bowling Championships, set for March 5-7 at Royal Scot Golf & Bowl in Lansing, Michigan.

Click here for more information on Black Bear Athletics.

About Black Bear Athletics
Black Bear Athletics, the official sports program of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, is dedicated to fostering excellence both on and off the field. As a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), Black Bear Athletics offers a diverse range of sports, including basketball, bowling, cross country, esports, golf, softball, volleyball, and wrestling. Our mission is to help student-athletes succeed in sports, academics, and life. By focusing on teamwork, leadership, time management, and discipline, we prepare them for success in all areas.

Black Bear Athletics is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) and NJCAA Region 20, competing against programs across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.