In addition to degree options, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers multiple certificate and diploma programs for those looking to quickly acquire the skills or credentials needed to start, advance, or change careers.
Designed in collaboration with local businesses and industry experts, these short-term programs cover a range of industries to align with the evolving demands of today’s job market.
Currently, 11 different certificate and diploma for-credit options are offered at Penn Highlands, including Bookkeeping, Business Management, Computer Support Specialist, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Medical Assisting Technology, PA Director Credential, Pre-Health Professions: Nursing, and Recovery Technician.
“Programs such as these serve many purposes for our students,” stated Trish Corle, Vice President of Student Services. “The opportunity to earn a credential that leads to employment and establishes a pathway for continued education and success is the embodiment of our mission.”
Earning a certificate or diploma not only equips you with specialized skills and knowledge in a shorter time, but also offers several other advantages. These programs are often more affordable, provide valuable networking opportunities, and can serve as a stepping stone for further education.
Students who complete a certificate or diploma at Penn Highlands can seamlessly transfer their credits toward advanced degrees. This allows them to earn an associate degree in the same or related field at Penn Highlands and then progress to a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. Thanks to Penn Highlands’ extensive articulation agreements, this transition is both smooth and efficient, providing a clear route for academic and career advancement.
As of May 2025, Penn Highlands has established more than 180 articulation agreements with 34 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced that the following students made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester.
Altoona – Yousif Ahmed, Beverly Ilene Auerbeck, Julius Anthony Colabove, Dawn Marie Cronmiller, Vanessa Marie DiCostanzo, Allison Kaylee Drass, Samantha Ida Esmaili, Sierra Rose Francisco, Bailey Marie Gerlach, Morgan D. Hamel, Cody Lee Hartman, Gage Lynn Haselbarth, Sara Krestar, Kristal Masic, Chelsea Dawn McMaster, Tyler Jay McMonigal, Vicky Paola Neuprine, McKayla Noel, Tajada Oneal, Kamryn Ryen, Alexander Christian Wilkins
Alverda – Natalie Linn Pileski
Armagh – Kaylee Witten
Ashville – Jocelynn R. Galat, Hannah Grace Krug, Gina Eve Pettenati
Bedford – Felicia S. Waybright
Bellefonte – Jenna Lou Willey
Bellwood – Emma Price
Berlin – Tobias Morgan Craig, Addy Larduet Dickey, Alexander Dively, Riley Elizabeth Lauer, Kayleigh Maddison Robinette, Madeline Pearl Tooker, Sabrina Ann Werner
Bethel Park – Nathan M. Wade
Boswell – Katelin Paige Boyda, Briana Lucas, Casey Savannah Miller, Garrett Robert Mowry, Lily Kathryn Schrock, Syd Alexis Scott, Miranda Elizabeth Shaffer
Huntingdon – Dylan Edward Miller, Bailey Norris, Lauren Nicole Smith
Imler – Cayla Bussard
Indiana – David Charles Croyle, Briahna A. Goss, Michael John Mundwiler
Jennerstown – Karley G. Buchanan
Jerome – Olivia Rose Weyandt
Johnstown – Gabriel Anderson, Noah Xavier Anderson, Casey Nathaniel Barrett, Stephanie Beeman, Noah Christopher Best, Kayla Marie Brathwaite, Ryan Louis Brown, Emily E. Burkett, Jesse Zane Burkett, Linsey E. Dabbs, Dawn Elaine Davis, Nevaeh Day, Nikki Marie DeArmitt, Cassidy Faith Dusack, Owen Andrew Gaunt, Karissa Nycole Gerber, Ryan Arthur Gorden, Christian J. Haberkorn, Connor F. Haberkorn, Christian Harding, Sha’Nya Henry, Kaitlin Marie Hessler, Tranise Hill, Kara M. Himes, Matthew James Jasper, Rylan Ashton Kelly, Shawn M. Kornprobst, Gabby Natalia Krinock, Grayson Kusher, Luis L. Lache, Claire Elena Leyh, Sage Nevaeh Lodolinski, Avery Claire Marshall, Christopher Matthew McKendrick, Hannah Theresa Miklos, Gretchen M. Miller, Akram Moustafa Moaz, Amanda Nicole Mosorjak, Yolanda Myers, Saige N. Nelson, Travis Niessner, Jadyn R. Oswalt, Brynn Faith Pallone, Jennafer Lynn Palmer, Blake C. Porath, Brianna Joann Rager, Carson Michael Reckner, Sandi Joan Rivera, Chloe Catherine Roberts, Lilee Adele Robinson, Ian Robison, Addy Elizabeth Roth, Cassidy Heleene Rozich, Essie Lilah Salem, Dylan Charles Santichen, Karingtin Rodgers Sklodowski, Ryan Michael Stancombe, Meghan J. Steigert, Morgan Patsy-Elaine Stevanus, Fiona L. Stuart, Zae Angel Taylor, Tionna Thomas, Arissa Raeann Thompson, Charles Mack Tomljanovic, Samuel Tomljanovic, Ethan Matthew Usrey, Tessa Marie Weeks, Emma Jane Weicht, Emily Elizabeth Weiser, Madelyn S. Wilfong, Tavin Josef Willason, Kelvin Moises Williams, Steven Joseph Winfield, Braydon C. Winkelman, Zach Richard-David Zentkovich
Kane – Ella Klaiber
Ligonier – Jeana Bianco, Lauren Leah Eslary
Lilly – Price Jason Selznick
Lock Haven – Iesha Marie Walter
Loretto – Jaden Conrad
Markleton – David James Mardis
Martinsburg – Kirsten Elizabeth Ayers, Mark David Bettwy, Jarrin Butler, Hannah E. Greenleaf, Kaitlin Marie Smith
Melbourne – Jake Ryan Oglesby
Meyersdale – Paige Elizabeth Beal, Ashlyn Paige Clayton, Taryn Leigh Miller, Hailey Paige Secrest, Blair Marie Snyder, Devin L. Steinly
Mineral Point – Garrett Allan Berkhimer, Alli Jade Findley, Allie Anne Polchito, Alyssa Mae Primel
Monongahela – Shelby Criss
Mount Union – Dorian Loner, Delaney E. Ronk, Sarah K. Varner
Nanty Glo – Joseph B. Hornick, Layla G. Harshbarger, Christopher Rhoades
New Enterprise – Cayden Lee Garman
New Florence – Cleo E. Long
Normalville – Victoria Keedy
Northern Cambria – Olivia Ann Cavallo, Carly Despoy, Ava Simone Dobransky, Mandy Perrone, Justin P. Radcliffe, Malia Theresa-Marie Shutty, Makayla Grace Stephens, Rylee Stine, Joshua Robert Walters
Oakdale – Erika DeSantis
Patton – Caitlyn Renae Carnahan, Grant Vincent Hayes, Brenda Rosenthal
Petersburg – Hannah Marie Detterline, Zoe S. Walters
Port Matilda – Madison Lynn Baranak
Portage – Tori Lynn Harrison, Hannah Michelle Hurtack, Jessica Dawn Karstetter, Lauren Marie Lockard, Jake Matthew Nolan, Sara Mary Shade
Reedsville – Katrina M. Secrest
Revloc – Carla Jean Frederick
Roaring Spring – Emma Lyn Brooks, Kylee Grace Carter, Paul R. Rhodes, Annabel Grace Shippey
Rockwood – Luke Thomas Ream, Joscelin Marie Revello
Saint Michael – Jason Anthony Toler
Salix – Aiden Joseph Carr, Jayden Ella Hess, Rei Lohr
Seward – Aidan J. Strong
Shirleysburg – Cailyn G. Skopic
Sidman – Dillon Shane Schmidt
Somerset – Bret Bovkoon, Reagan Michele Brenneman, Samantha Elizabeth Katz, Alexis Katherine Miller, Ashley Pyle, Jordan Faith Pyle, Samantha Kay Smith, Samantha Elaine Whipkey
South Fork – Emmie Marie Johns, Christina Nicole Schrader, Jeremy Aaron Weis, Matthew O. Knepper
Spring Mills – Samantha Brown
State College – Rebekah Louise Horner
Strongstown – Levi R. Swanson
Sykesville – Luke Deondre Collins
Three Springs – Cameron Anthony Edgin, Kara A. Harper
Tyrone – Misty L. Feather, Adriana Elizabeth Kessler, Jaylynn McConnell, Jillian Nicole Soule, Melissa Woomer
Williamsburg – Aliyah Logan Ross
Windber – David Anthony Bernecky, Andrew Lawrence Betcher, RhiAnna Lyn Flook, Melissa Marie Howell, Trinity Jade Klucik, Hannah M. Knappenberger, Lara A. Smith, Cayden Taylor Thompson, Kathy Lynn Walker, Mallory V. Wenderoth
The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation was presented with a check for $20,000 from Somerset Trust Company, with the donation intended to bolster the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund.
The donation will enable the bank (based in Somerset, PA), as well as other institutions, to support educational causes offered by the College. With Penn Highlands also applying for and maintaining its EITC status, the donation will help the College offer classes at a reduced price for its Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program/dual enrollment students.
“John Kubinsky, who is on our Foundation Board of Directors, has been generous to the College over the years,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “He has made multiple donations, and this year he chose EITC. John believes in our mission and values growth in our community.”
EITC provides high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses, earn credits, and explore what Penn Highlands has to offer for their future.
This marks the fourth contribution Somerset Trust Company has made to the EITC fund since 2023.
“Somerset Trust Company is pleased to support the community-focused, educational mission of Penn Highlands,” stated John Kubinsky, Somerset Trust Company Vice President and Commercial Credit Officer. “The College is a valued asset to our area. Its degrees and programs support the region’s ongoing economic and workforce needs.”
The EITC Program has received more than $40,000 in funds over the past two years, allowing the College to award more than 7,000 credits at discounted rates to over 2,000 participating students in the past year alone.
Members of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Administration and Board of Trustees pose with the donation from Somerset Trust Company. Those pictured include, from left, back: Ed Porada, Jeff Wood, Penn Highlands President Dr. Steve Nunez, Omar Strohm, Dave Mordan; middle: Lladel Lichty, Nancy D’Aniello, Traci Naugle, Bobbi Ream, Doug Puchko; front: Director of the Foundation Carole VanMeter and Somerset Trust Company Vice President and Commercial Credit Officer John Kubinsky.
Members of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College’s Supporting Scholars recently completed their second Spring Service Project by collecting and giving donations to Mom’s House, Inc. of Johnstown.
Over the month of April, the group collected donations from churches, friends, families, and their communities, as well as hosting a bake sale that raised more than $360 to purchase additional items for the organization.
In total, the Scholars donated more than 200 items, including diaper wipes, juice boxes, and more.
“When tasked with figuring out service projects, the Supporting Scholars were committed to making a meaningful impact on the local community, particularly its youth,” stated Nikki Wright, Supporting Scholars Chair. “They showed strong enthusiasm for supporting Mom’s House, Inc. in Johnstown by organizing a donation drive to benefit mothers and their children.”
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).
The scholars also completed a service project in March, collecting and donating more than 600 items for the Cambria County Clothing Boutique.
More information on Mom’s House, Inc. can be found on their website and Facebook page.
Penn Highlands Supporting Scholars pose with the donations for Mom’s House, Inc. Of Johnstown on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Pictured from left to right are scholars Hannah Miklos, Lauren Lockard, Tori Harrison, Sydney Scott, and Ava Dobransky.
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.”
