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Somerset Trust Donates $20,000 To College’s EITC Fund

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.