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Foundation To Award Over $80,000 in Scholarships For The 2026-27 Academic Year

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is set to award over $80,000 in scholarships to deserving students for the 2026-2027 academic year.

This includes 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 15 scholarships to students.

Those being awarded scholarships include:

Supporting Scholars – Presidential Scholarship

• Maraya Bittner
• Allison Remick
• Payton Roxby

Supporting Scholars – Emerging Leader Scholarship

• Matt Allen
• Markie Bender
• Bree Carnahan
• Lilliana Hardman
• Garrett James
• Brianna Litzinger
• Lakin Pierce
• Lauren Roxby
• Maleigha Younkin

Supporting Scholars – Destination Graduation Scholarship

• Erin Behe
• Zack Ryan
• Makiah Schartiger
• Kathy Walker

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Johnstown Branch Scholarship

• Rachel Kohn

College Employee-Supported Scholarship

• Hailey Johnson

Dale W. Miller Scholarship

• Jacob Buckley

Daniel and Diane Holtzman Scholarship

• Bruce Knisely

Dr. Anna D. Weitz Scholarship

• Kathy Walker

Dr. Edward Haluska Scholarship

• Garrett James

Dr. Walter and Kim Asonevich Scholarship

• Rachel Kohn

Ignite the Fire Culinary Scholarship

• Nathanael Bremer
• Gracie Pfeil
• Kathy Walker

Joe and Ruth Corle Memorial Scholarship

• Sierra Dale

Joseph and Joan Mangarella Scholarship

• Sierra Dale
• Bruce Knisely

Kathy Holtzman Memorial Scholarship

• Sarah Huber

Margaret J. Pardee Scholarship

• Kaitlyn Drass
• Kinley Rogal

Roth Family Scholarship

• Crystal Conner
• Kerstin Corle
• Abigail Rudy
• Arlina Whitaker

Sara & Salvatore (Sam) Valenty Scholarship

• Ashlyn Clayton
• Cayden Garman

Ursula Pawlowski Memorial Scholarship

• Markie Bender

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is grateful to all donors whose generous contributions make these scholarships possible. Their support plays a vital role in transforming the lives of students and strengthening the communities they serve.

Click here for more information about the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation and its scholarships.

Kathryn Porter Appointed To College’s Board Of Trustees

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has appointed Kathryn (Kate) Porter to the College’s Board of Trustees as a Cambria County representative.

Porter is replacing former board member Carissa Westrick, who resigned in July. Her initial term will expire in December 2029, at which time she will be eligible for a six-year reappointment by the Cambria County Commissioners.

“We are pleased to welcome Kate Porter to the Pennsylvania Highlands Board of Trustees,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands. “She brings extensive experience in human services, behavioral health, community collaboration, and public service. Her commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals and families throughout Cambria County, combined with her understanding of the needs of our region, will provide valuable insight as the Board continues to guide the College’s mission and service to the community.”

Porter is currently the Administrator of the Cambria County Behavioral Health & Developmental Supports Program in Johnstown.

Prior to that, she was the Prevention Program Specialist at both the Cambria County Drug Coalition (2017-20) and the Cambria County Drug & Alcohol Program (2020-24) before serving as the Quality Assurance Risk Management Specialist for two years at her present employer.

“I believe that community colleges play a vital role in strengthening communities by expanding access to education, workforce development, and lifelong learning opportunities,” Porter stated. “Penn Highlands serves as an important catalyst for economic growth and individual achievement throughout our region. I care deeply about the future of our region and am committed to helping ensure that future generations have access to the educational opportunities and resources they need to succeed.”

Porter holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

College To Host Workforce Breakfast In Centre County For Regional Businesses

This event has been cancelled.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College invites regional employers to the Workforce Rise & Shine Breakfast on Wednesday, September 30, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the Ramada by Wyndham State College (Director’s Room, 1450 South Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801).

This one-hour forum is designed for businesses and employers, HR leaders, decision-makers, and more across Centre County and West Central Pennsylvania. Over breakfast, the College’s workforce team will walk attendees through training options, credentialing pathways, upskilling, and funding programs built to fit each company’s needs and budget.

Attendees will explore several ways to strengthen their teams and businesses, including:

• Customized training built around a company’s specific skills and goals.
• Non-credit upskilling to sharpen employee abilities quickly and affordably.
• WEDnetPA funding that can help cover eligible employee training costs.
• Credit-bearing pathways that turn training into recognized credentials and degrees.

This event reflects the College’s role as a trusted workforce development partner in the region. By connecting employers with flexible training and funding resources, Penn Highlands helps local businesses address skills shortages, assist with new hires, and plan for growth.

Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Black Bears Golf Team Releases Fall 2026 Season Schedule

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Golf team has released its Fall 2026 season schedule, consisting of six matches beginning in September.

All season events will be against Region 20 opponents Butler County Community College, Community College of Allegheny County, and Westmoreland County Community College. Dates and times of matches are subject to change.

The full schedule is as follows:

• September 11 at North Park Golf Course (Allison Park, PA)
• September 14 at Glengarry Golf Links (Latrobe, PA)
• September 18 at Lake Arthur Golf Club (Butler, PA)
• September 21 at North Park Golf Course (Allison Park, PA)
• September 24 at Lake Arthur Golf Club (Butler, PA)
• September 28 at Glengarry Golf Links (Latrobe, PA)

At the conclusion of the regular season, the teams will compete in the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) Tournament on October 8-9 at Willowbrook Country Club in Apollo, PA, where individual and team champions will be crowned.

The team’s spring season is set to begin in April 2027.

Click here for more information on Black Bears Athletics. 

Community Resource Fair Set For September 9; Free & Open To The Public

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be holding a free Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, September 9, from 10 AM to 1 PM in the Auxiliary Gym at the College’s Richland Campus.

Hosted by the KEYS Program, the event connects students and community members with local organizations offering support across many areas of daily life. The fair is open to everyone, and no registration is required.

Attendees can meet face-to-face with representatives from organizations that provide help with services including:

• Housing assistance
• Food and nutrition programs
• Employment and job search resources
• Education and training opportunities
• Childcare and family services
• Health and wellness resources
• Mental health support
• Transportation services
• Services for older adults

Featured organizations include the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, UPMC/REACH Mobile Crisis, PA CareerLink, WIC, Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies, and the Area Agency on Aging, along with many others. Visitors can ask questions, gather information, and leave with practical next steps, all in one convenient place.

The event is designed for anyone seeking help, whether a student balancing coursework with a full schedule or a community member looking for the right connection. There is no appointment, no cost, and no pressure to attend.

Click here for more information on the event.