Last year, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation awarded more than $29,000 in scholarship funds to assist students with their education. Priority consideration for scholarships is given to students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or FAFSA Renewal (School Code: 031804) and have completed the online scholarship application by the priority deadline.

Learn About Foundation Giving

College-Sponsored Academic Scholarships

College-sponsored applications are open on a rolling basis. Please select each scholarship to see when each one is open.

Complete the College’s application for admission and submit your high school transcripts.
Once accepted, you will receive a mailed acceptance letter as well as an email containing your student account information and your myPEAK username and password.
Access and complete the online scholarship application and essay using your username and password. Because the scholarship system is integrated with student data, much of your information is stored in the application.

Destination Graduation Scholarship
The Destination Graduation Scholarship is open during May and June.

The scholarship is valid toward one associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.S.). A student has a maximum of three full-time semesters to complete their degree, but no more than 44 credits. Recipients are eligible to receive a scholarship until they complete one associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.S.), or 44 credits, or three (3) consecutive, full-time semesters.*

Current or former College Sponsored Academic Scholarship awardees are not eligible.

* Scholarships will be pro-rated for students taking a part-time credit load during the semester in which they are completing their credential.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Have completed at least 24 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.30.
- Complete and submit a Scholarship Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Qualify for college-ready status in writing, reading, and math through the College’s Placement Testing Policy and Waiver Guidelines.
- Show obvious engagement in college and community leadership, as indicated on the Scholarship Application.
Guidelines for automatic renewal per semester:
- The student maintains a 3.30 grade point average and is enrolled full-time. *See exemption above regarding final semester completion of degree.
- The student successfully completes at least 24 college credits in an academic year.
- The student completes 10 hours per semester of participation in College-related service as defined by the Scholarship Committee.
- The student meets with an assigned scholarship mentor throughout the award period and attends all scheduled meetings.
- The student is meaningfully engaged in at least one club or organization (PTK, NSLS included) or athletic team involvement.
Any recipient found to have violated the Academic Integrity Policy is no longer eligible in subsequent semesters.

The Destination Graduation Scholarship application will open each year on or about May 15 and close on or about June 5.

$1,000 per semester, minimum of one award annually
Emerging Leader Scholarship
The Emerging Leader Scholarship is currently open.

The scholarship is valid toward one associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.S.) and is renewable each academic semester. A student has a maximum of five semesters to complete their degree, but no more than 66 credits. Recipients are eligible to receive a scholarship until they complete one associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.S.), or 66 credits, or five (5) consecutive, full-time semesters.*

These scholarships, awarded to high school seniors, must be used beginning with the fall semester following high school graduation. The Pennsylvania Highlands College Sponsored Academic Scholarships Committee reviews all applications and recommends recipients for selection to the President’s Office.

* Scholarships will be pro-rated for students taking a part-time credit load during the semester in which they are completing their credential.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a high school senior eligible for graduation with a cumulative overall grade point average of at least 3.5.
- Be recognized as a good citizen of the high school community by being involved and demonstrating leadership in at least three extra-curricular activities.
- Complete the admissions process and be accepted to Pennsylvania Highlands.
- Complete and submit a Scholarship Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Qualify for college-ready status in writing, reading, and math through the College’s Placement Testing Policy and Waiver Guidelines.
Select candidates will be asked to participate in a personal interview with the scholarship committee. Students will be monitored each semester to track academic progress, credit load, and eligibility.

Guidelines for automatic renewal per semester:
- The student maintains a 3.30 grade point average and be enrolled full-time. *See exemption above regarding final semester completion of degree.
- The student successfully completes at least 24 college credits in an academic year.
- The student completes 10 hours per semester of participation in College-related service as defined by the Scholarship Committee.
- The student meets with an assigned scholarship mentor throughout the award period and attends all scheduled meetings.
- The student is meaningfully engaged in at least one club or organization (PTK, NSLS included) or athletic team involvement.
Any recipient found to have violated the Academic Integrity Policy is no longer eligible in subsequent semesters.

The Emerging Leader Scholarship awards will be determined during two award periods. The application will open each year on or about October 1 and close on December 19 and will reopen on or about the 2^nd Monday of January and close on or about March 14.

$1,000 per semester, 13 awards each year
Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship is currently open.

The scholarship is valid toward one associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.S.) and is renewable each academic semester. A student has a maximum of five semesters to complete their degree, but no more than 66 credits. Recipients are eligible to receive a scholarship until they complete one associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.S.), or 66 credits, or five (5) consecutive, full-time semesters.*

These scholarships, awarded to high school seniors, must be used beginning with the fall semester following high school graduation. The Pennsylvania Highlands College Sponsored Academic Scholarships Committee reviews all applications and recommends recipients for selection to the President’s Office.

* Scholarships will be pro-rated for students taking a part-time credit load during the semester in which they are completing their credential.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a high school senior eligible for graduation with a cumulative overall grade point average of at least 3.5.
- Be recognized as a good citizen of the high school community by being involved and demonstrating leadership in at least three extra-curricular activities.
- Complete the admissions process and be accepted to Pennsylvania Highlands.
- Complete and submit a Scholarship Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Qualify for college-ready status in writing, reading, and math through the College’s Placement Testing Policy and Waiver Guidelines.
Select candidates will be asked to participate in a personal interview with the scholarship committee. Students will be monitored each semester to track academic progress, credit load, and eligibility.

Guidelines for automatic renewal per semester:
- The student maintains a 3.30 grade point average and be enrolled full-time. *See exemption above regarding final semester completion of degree.
- The student successfully completes at least 24 college credits in an academic year.
- The student can be involved in the honors program.
- The student completes 15 hours per semester of participation in College-related service as defined by the Scholarship Committee (Students involved in the honors program will be required to complete 10 hours of service per semester).
- The student meets with an assigned scholarship mentor throughout the award period and attends all scheduled meetings.
- The student is meaningfully engaged in at least one club or organization (PTK, NSLS included) or athletic team involvement.
Any recipient found to have violated the Academic Integrity Policy is no longer eligible in subsequent semesters.

The Presidential Scholarship application will open each year on or about October 1 and close on December 19.

$3,000 per semester, 2 awards each year

College Foundation Scholarships

The Foundation scholarship application will be open from April through May. Because many scholarships are based on a student’s registration status, students are advised to first register for the fall semester prior to completing the scholarship application.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or FAFSA Renewal (School Code: 031804).
Complete your course registration for the fall semester on myPEAK.
Access the online scholarship application using your Penn Highlands’ computer (myPEAK) login and password.
Complete your application, essay, and any additional questions for specific scholarships. Because the scholarship system is integrated with student data, much of your information is previously stored in your application.

ACE Dual Enrollment Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any high school student interested in taking college-level courses. Each high school within our service district will have access to no more than one dual enrollment scholarship each year. Applications open each spring and close by the beginning of the school year.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be college ready.
- Be qualified for dual enrollment courses.
A maximum of four credits will be awarded to each eligible dual enrollment student.

Students also receive a college consultation, swag bag, and a three-credit waiver for any future Penn Highlands class (within one year of high school graduation and must earn a “B” in their dual enrollment course for the waiver to apply).
American Association of University Women (AAUW), Johnstown Branch Scholarship
This scholarship was established through the generosity of the Johnstown Branch of the American Association of University Women.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a full-time matriculated student in a degree program who has earned at least 30 credits.
- Have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- Reside in either Cambria or Somerset County.
- Preference will be given to female students, 25 years of age or older.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually ($500 per semester).
Dr. Walter and Kim Asonevich Scholarship
This is an endowed scholarship awarded to a first year student who is a single parent enrolled full-time in an associate degree program. This scholarship was established through the generosity of Dr. Walter and Kim Asonevich. Dr. Asonevich was the fourth President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a single parent, first semester student enrolled full-time in an associate degree program.
- Maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average for second semester renewal of the scholarship.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $500 will be awarded in the first semester. Second semester funds ($500) are based on availability of funds.
College Employee Supported Scholarship
This scholarship was originally funded by a monthly “Jeans Day” that Pennsylvania Highlands Community College employees were eligible to participate in with a $5.00 donation. Employees are now able to donate to this scholarship during the Foundation’s Annual Giving Campaign. Eligibility requirements for the scholarship were approved by College Senate on October 27, 2016.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be registered as a full-time or part-time student seeking a diploma, certificate, or associate degree.
- Have unmet tuition and fees not covered by grants and scholarships.
- Preference given to a non-sponsored student.
- Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average for second semester renewal.
A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually ($250 per semester).
Joe and Ruth Corle Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Trish Corle.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a Ferndale Area High School Graduate.
- Participate in at least one of the following: Band, Chorus, Student Government.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually ($500 per semester).
Griffith Family Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Ellis and Gladys Griffith.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be either a full or part-time student.
- Preference given to graduates of Tussey Mountain School District. If there are no eligible students from Tussey Mountain School District, the scholarship may be awarded to a graduate from a school district within Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.
- Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average for second semester eligibility.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually ($500 per semester).
Dr. Edward Haluska Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any continuing Pennsylvania Highlands student.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Have completed at least three credits at Pennsylvania Highlands.
- Be matriculated into a degree program.
- Have at least a 2.0 grade point average.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually ($500 per semester).
Daniel and Diane Holtzman Scholarship
This is a scholarship funded by Daniel and Diane Holtzman.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a first year student enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits per semester.
- Reside in Cambria County.
- Demonstrate involvement in your community through volunteer service.
- Complete eight hours of volunteer service in a Cambria County non-profit organization during the semester for second semester renewal of the scholarship.
- Maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average for second semester renewal of the scholarship.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually ($500 per semester).
Kathy Holtzman Memorial Scholarship
This endowed scholarship was funded by the proceeds of the Foundation’s 2016 Corks & Kegs jazz reception event. The event was designated as a fundraiser for the Kathy Holtzman Memorial Scholarship in her memory to recognize her support of educational opportunities for all members of our community.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a full-time student.
- Be a resident of Cambria County.
- Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average for second semester eligibility.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually ($250 per semester).
Huntingdon Hope Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Mr. Jim Foster, a member of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Huntingdon Advisory Council and Board of Trustees.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Must be a Huntingdon County resident. However, priority consideration will be given to graduates of Juniata Valley School District.
- Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average for second semester eligibility.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually ($500 per semester).
Johnstown Regional Indian Subcontinent Association (JRISA) Scholarship
This scholarship is sponsored by the Johnstown Regional Indian Subcontinent Association (JRISA).

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a first year student enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits per semester.
- Live in Cambria County.
- Maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average for second semester renewal of the scholarship.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $250 will be awarded annually ($125 per semester).
Learning Lamp Scholarship
To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Scholarship Application & Essay.
- Be matriculated in Early Childhood Education (A.A.) or Education (A.A.).
- Preference will be given to students in ECE.
- Be registered as a full-time or part-time student.
- Have unmet tuition and fees not covered by grants and scholarships.
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
- Have demonstrated service to the College through involvement in a recognized student club/organization or some other officially recognized College service activity.
- First year students can cite service to high school level clubs and activities with intent to pursue at Penn Highlands.
- Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $1000 will be awarded annually ($500 per semester).
Joseph and Joan Mangarella Scholarship
This scholarship was established through the generosity of Joseph Mangarella, a long time member of both the College’s Board of Trustees and the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and his wife Joan.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be enrolled full-time at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.
- Preference given to students considered to be challenged and/or with special needs who reside in the Northern Cambria area.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $5,000 will be awarded annually to up to 2 students ($1,250 per semester per student).
Dale W. Miller Scholarship
This scholarship was established through the generosity of Dale W. Miller of Huntingdon County.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a full-time student.
- Register to attend Pennsylvania Highlands Community College via the Huntingdon County location.
- Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average for second semester eligibility.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $2,000 will be awarded annually ($1,000 per semester).
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Scholarship
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) established a scholarship fund in 1995 to benefit Pennsylvania Highlands students. This has been funded by the proceeds from its annual golf outing through 2005. The NAIFA scholarship is offered through the Pennsylvania Highlands Foundation.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Have already completed at least three credits at Pennsylvania Highlands.
- Maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $2,500 will be awarded annually to up to 2 students ($625 per semester per student).
Ursula Pawlowski Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is given in memory of Ursula Pawlowski, a lifelong educator and former member of the College’s Board of Trustees.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be matriculated in the Early Childhood Education program or in another academic program with the expressed goal of a career in education.
- Maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually ($250 per semester).
Roth Family Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Cathy Roth.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a graduate of Hollidaysburg Area School District or Altoona Area School District in Blair County, Pennsylvania. If there are no eligible students from Hollidaysburg Area School District or Altoona Area School District, the scholarship may be awarded to a graduate from a school district within Blair County, Pennsylvania.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually to up to 4 students ($125 per semester per student).
Spruce Street Animal Clinic Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Cynthia Coppock, VMD.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Must be a Huntingdon or Mifflin County resident.
- Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average for second semester eligibility.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $8,000 will be awarded annually to up to 8 students ($500 per semester per student).
Sara & Salvatore (Sam) Valenty Scholarship
This scholarship was established through the generosity of Salvatore (Sam) Valenty, a former member of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and his wife Sara.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be matriculated in Business Management or a business-related program.
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually ($500 per semester).
Dr. Anna D. Weitz Scholarship
This scholarship honors the dedicated service of Dr. Anna D. Weitz, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College from 2002-2007. It was established in recognition of her visionary leadership as a lasting tribute to her many achievements at the College and impact on the community at large.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be enrolled full-time (12 or more credits).
- Have earned at least fifteen credits at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.
- Have demonstrated service to the College through involvement in a recognized student club/organization or some other officially recognized College service activity.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually ($500 per semester).
Stan and Helen Westbrook Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Stan and Helen Westbrook.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a graduate of Mount Union School District or Southern Huntingdon High School, located in Huntingdon County.
- Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average for second semester eligibility.
- *Student Financial Services will review the final applicants to determine financial need based on tuition, fees, etc. based on scholarship donor request.
A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually ($250 per semester).

Area Scholarships

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to support our region, its partners, and the community members found within it. Below are local scholarships that may assist individuals with getting the education, support, and financial assistance they deserve. These scholarships are not affiliated with the College.

Centre Foundation

The Centre Foundation exists to support donors and nonprofit organizations. By managing funds and facilitating donations, the Centre Foundation allows everyone to be a philanthropist. The Centre Foundation help nonprofits achieve their missions throughout Centre County.

Available Scholarships
Community Foundation for the Alleghenies
Through the generosity of its donors, the Community Foundation is honored to help students of all types find scholarship opportunities to help them pursue education and build their careers.
Learn More
Emily Lee Scholarship
The Emily Lee Scholarship began in the 1980s and has been given annually ever since. The program, sponsored by Lee Initiatives, is directed toward deserving young people pursuing health care careers. Individuals could be enrolled in post-secondary technology certification programs or degree programs.
Learn More
Pennsylvania Business and Professional Women Foundation
The PA BPW Foundation was established in 2008 as a 501(c)(3) organization. Their mission is to provide full participation, equity, and economic self sufficiency for America’s working women.

Grants are provided to individuals who:
- Are interested in furthering their educations
- Have proven financial need
- Are United States citizens
- Meet the requirements set forth in the scholarship application
- Have been a paid member of BPW/PA or a resident of Pennsylvania for at least two years prior to application
- Submit a complete application with supporting data to the PA BPW Foundation scholarship committee
Learn More
Richland Township Volunteer Fire Department Live-In Scholarship
In partnership with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, the Richland Township Volunteer Fire Department (RTFD) offers a scholarship of up to $14,000 for Live-in Firefighters that are also current students.

Interested students must be able to prove their enrollment status at their respective educational institutes, and must also commit to serving as Live-in Firefighters with the RTFD for the duration of their time enrolled in school.
Apply Now
WISE Women of Blair County
Scholarships will be available to Blair County resident females 21 years of age or older who have overcome adversity or discrimination in their lives and who are pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarship is not available for a Masters, Doctorate, or a second Bachelor’s degree.
Learn More

Tax Credits

There are two tax credits available to help students offset the costs of higher education by reducing the amount of your income tax. They are the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.

The American Opportunity Credit

This credit can help parents and students pay part of the cost of the first four years of college. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act modifies the existing Hope Credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making it available to a broader range of taxpayers. Eligible taxpayers may qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student. Generally, 40 percent of the credit is refundable, which means that you may be able to receive up to $1,000, even if you owe no taxes.

The Lifetime Learning Credit

This credit can help pay for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree courses – including courses to improve job skills – regardless of the number of years in the program. Eligible taxpayers may qualify for up to $2,000 – $4,000 if a student in a Midwestern disaster area – per tax return.

For additional information, consult a tax advisor or click here.

Veterans Benefits

The Financial Aid Office provides information about G.I. Bill® benefits for veterans, eligible dependents of veterans, members of the National Guard, Selected Reserves, and active duty service persons. This office assists students in applying for benefits and certifies enrollment to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

For information on Veteran and Dependent VA Education Benefits call 1.888.442.4551 or access online. Most veterans are responsible to pay tuition and fees by the College’s tuition due date. Veterans applying for benefits for the first time should expect a six to eight week wait until the first check from the Department of Veterans Affairs arrives.