Supporting Scholars Academic Scholarships

Our Supporting Scholars Academic Scholarships open doors to exceptional educational opportunities. By offering generous financial support, Supporting Scholars is designed to remove the barriers that stand between talented students and their dreams of higher education. At Penn Highlands, we don’t just offer a scholarship; we invest in futures. Penn Highlands is committed to investing in students who have demonstrated academic excellence, made meaningful contributions to their schools and communities, and shown the drive and potential to achieve their educational and career aspirations.

Scholarship Application Process

Supporting Scholars Academic Scholarship applications are open on a rolling basis from September 1 through April 1. Please review the process below for consideration.

1. Complete the appropriate scholarship application, linked above.
2. If selected, participate in a personal interview with the scholarship committee.

Interviews are held multiple times per year, and scholarships will be awarded following each interview session.

Presidential Scholarship

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.*

These scholarships, awarded to high school seniors, must be used beginning with the fall semester following high school graduation. The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to tohse who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and active involvement in school and community activities. Recipients are selected through a competitive application and interview process and represent some of Penn Highlands’ most accomplished incoming students.

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

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:

• Applicants must be high school seniors on track to graduate, with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
• 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).
• Display an outstanding record of service and leadership
• Show active participation in leadership activities and roles
• Evidence a strong commitment to community service
• Enroll in an associate degree program at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College the semester following your high school graduation.

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 scholarship recipient must enroll in consecutive fall and spring semesters as a full-time student, defined as enrollment in 12 or more credit hours per semester, excluding summer sessions.
• The scholarship recipient must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applicable state grant aid applications (PHEAA) each academic year, and must accept all eligible grant aid offered.
• The scholarship recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 at Penn Highlands and must successfully complete at least 12 credits each semester and 24 credits per academic year.
• The scholarship recipient must complete one (1) service hour for every three (3) credits attempted during each semester of enrollment. Service hours are defined and approved by the Scholarship Committee, with approved service opportunities made available to recipients.
• The scholarship recipient must serve on Student Senate every semester and attend all scheduled meetings, unless excused in advance
• The scholarship recipient must be a participating member of at least one College-recognized club, organization, or intercollegiate athletic team.
• The scholarship recipient must write a personal thank you note to the Penn Highlands Foundation before the end of their first semester.

GPA and service hour requirements will be reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Failure to meet either requirement will result in non‑renewal of the scholarship for future semesters. 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 November 1 and close on December 19.

$6,000 annually, 6 awards each year

Destination Graduation Scholarship

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.*

The Destination Graduation Scholarship is designed for current Penn Highlands students who have demonstrated academic achievement and are on track to complete their degree. This scholarship celebrates students who have built a strong academic record at Penn Highlands and aims to inspire continued commitment to reaching graduation. To be considered, students must meet specific eligibility requirements, including criteria related to credit completion and academic performance.

Current or former Supporting Scholars Academic Scholarship awardees are not eligible.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:

• Have completed at least 24 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.3.
• 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 3.3 grade point average and is enrolled full-time.
• The student successfully completes at least 24 college credits in an academic year.
• The student completes one (1) hour per three (3) credits of community service.
• The student is meaningfully engaged in at least one club or organization (PTK, NSLS included) or athletic team involvement.
• The scholarship recipient must write a personal thank you note to the Penn Highlands Foundation before the end of the fall semester.

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 at the beginning of each Fall semester and close on April 30, with the possibility of reopening in August if there are still spots available. An email will be sent out to eligible students if this occurs.

$1,000 annually, 8 awards each year