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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. 

Commencement For 30th Graduating Class Set For May 16

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will hold a Commencement Ceremony for the Thirtieth Graduating Class on Friday, May 16th, at 6 PM in the Richland Campus Auditorium (101 Community College Way, Johnstown, PA).

Student Senate President and Student Trustee Adelyn Dull, of Hollsopple, PA, will give this year’s Commencement Address. She will obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice during the ceremony.

Dull will share her message with the over 300 graduates planning to attend. Also addressing the graduates will be Penn Highlands Community College President Dr. Steve Nunez, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Dr. Janet Grady, Cambria County President Commissioner Scott Hunt, and Faculty Senate President Greg Paonessa.

In addition to awarding associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the ceremony, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will also present the Distinguished Graduate Award. This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Pennsylvania Highlands and the surrounding community, all while achieving outstanding academic performance.

For those unable to attend, a Commencement live stream is available on the College’s YouTube channel.

Supporting Scholars Donate Over 600 Items To Cambria County Clothing Boutique

Members of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College’s Supporting Scholars recently donated over 600 items to the Cambria County Clothing Boutique as a part of their Spring Service Project.

The Scholars created collection boxes and received donations through the month of March at multiple College locations. The items included pants, hangers, combs, toothbrushes, and more.

“After I learned of the Cambria County Clothing Boutique’s mission, it really hit close to home,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “They are making a great impact in the local community, so we jumped at the chance to help them out.”

The Cambria County Clothing Boutique provides seasonal and school appropriate attire, as well as hygiene products, to school districts within Cambria County. The goal is to ensure that all children are adequately dressed for learning.

“We were flattered by the donations,” stated Lisa Campbell, Founder of Cambria County Clothing Boutique. “It was great because it was items we truly need. Pants and hygiene products are so important for the children, and most times, we can hardly keep them in stock, but they are going to where they are most needed.”

Interested donors can reach out to the Cambria County Clothing Boutique via its website, Facebook, or Instagram.

Penn Highlands Supporting Scholars pose with the donations for the Cambria County Clothing Boutique on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Pictured from left to right are Hannah Miklos, Sydney Scott, Ava Dobransky, Cambria County Clothing Boutique founder Lisa Campbell, Supporting Scholars Committee chair Nikki Wright, Lily Schrock, Lauren Lockard, and Emma Weicht.

Academic Planning Day Set For Penn Highlands Centre County

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Centre County (190 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA, 16823) is hosting an Academic Planning Day on Wednesday, May 14, from 5 to 7 PM.

Attendees can register for classes, take advanced placement tests, receive FAFSA assistance, and submit a college application.

The event brings everything a student needs into one location, saving time and avoiding multiple deadlines.

“I’m excited to announce our first Academic Planning Day,” stated Marissa Davis, Regional Center Director. “This evening event is designed with flexibility in mind, as we know some students prefer having a parent join them for class registration, while others don’t want to miss school to plan their college schedule. We look forward to seeing you there and helping you take the next step in your academic journey.”

If an attendee plans on applying for instant acceptance, the College asks that a high school transcript be brought to the event.

For more information or to RSVP for the event, click here.

Culinary Arts Continues To Expand; Shows Growth & Adds Equipment

The Culinary Arts program at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is showcasing significant growth and success at its Center for Culinary Excellence in downtown Johnstown. This expansion underscores the program’s dedication to cultivating a highly skilled workforce to support the region’s hospitality and food service industries.

Recent improvements include the addition of cutting-edge kitchen facilities, a revamped curriculum centered on contemporary culinary trends, and a surge in enrollment driven by growing demand for the program. Students benefit from immersive, hands-on training and develop essential skills that equip them for thriving, dynamic careers in the culinary industry.

“We’re definitely improving in our growth,” Culinary Arts Program Director John Dusack stated. “With our students and equipment, we are becoming more established as a culinary program. That was the main goal.”

The program has seen remarkable growth, more than tripling its student enrollment since its launch in 2024.

Facility Enhancements

The Culinary Arts program has significantly expanded its resources to provide students with real-world experience in a professional setting. New additions include 12 commercial mixers, six induction burners, an industrial meat slicer, and a bread proofing cabinet, which complement the Culinary Center’s existing tools, such as a commercial deep fryer, gas grill, meat smoker, combination oven, and more.

A Look Ahead, New Courses

Looking ahead, the program is set to introduce a Nutrition class in Spring 2026, designed to focus on crafting recipes tailored for skilled clients in nursing homes or hospitals. Plans are also underway to add a wine and beverage course, which will teach students how to pair drinks with meals effectively and how to incorporate them into recipes.

“One great thing about our program is that you are learning hands-on how to make everything in the curriculum,” Dusack stated. “You start from the very basics of cooking and move up to advanced techniques, while working with different aspects of food such as gluten, proteins, and carbohydrates. We really aim to make our students capable of being well-rounded chefs.”

Gain Experience, Career Opportunities

Students are given valuable opportunities to showcase their skills, including preparing meals for external critique at special events held once per semester and attending the Penn Highlands Foundation’s annual Chef Auction. These events allow students to network with industry professionals, gain field insights, and even secure potential job opportunities.

Culinary Arts students have already made an impact, landing positions at esteemed establishments such as Seven Springs, Windber Country Club, Asiago’s, and more.

Join the Culinary Movement

With its growing reputation and robust resources, Penn Highlands’ Culinary Arts at Penn Highlands is paving the way for aspiring chefs to launch successful careers in the culinary field. For more information about the program, please click here.