Discover Your Future

Michaela Detwiler is a single mother of two daughters who excelled while attending Penn Highlands. Penn Highlands was close to home and affordable, allowing Michaela to raise her family while getting the education she deserved and not having to worry about financial burdens.

“Pennsylvania Highlands offered the convenience and affordability I needed to not only focus on my studies, but to also raise my family. I knew that I wanted to stay close to home as I pursued a degree.

At Penn Highlands, you’re more than just a number; you’re family. Penn Highlands prepared me to immediately enter the workforce and move forward with my education. I have always loved learning, but Penn Highlands showed me another side that I never experienced before.

This experience, along with my daughters, has motivated me to earn a master’s degree. If you are considering attending Penn Highlands, stop considering and make the choice. You won’t regret it. My name is Michaela Detwiler, and this is my story.”

– Michaela Detwiler, Graduate

Penn Highlands Community College changed Adrianna’s life in many ways. She met people that will forever be her friends and that will always have her back. Penn Highlands was a stepping stone toward her future ambitions, and the College helped her realize what she wanted to do with her life, which is to educate others.

“One of the best decisions I ever made was attending Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

After just one class, I knew that I wanted to shape young minds by becoming a teacher. The supportive environment offered by faculty, staff, and administration proved that Penn Highlands is truly invested in my success. Here, I am more than a number.

Because I chose Penn Highlands, I was able to stay close to home and save money while finding my calling. Now, I will transfer to a four-year university as a junior with little to no debt. I’m Adrianna Farrell, and this is my story.”

– Adrianna Farrell, Graduate, Student Senate President, & Student Trustee

Meet Shea Berrier, a student who came to Penn Highlands through the local CareerLink and overcame many obstacles to become a graduate. He realized Pennsylvania Highlands was the right fit because of the quality education, along with the number of transfer agreements offered.

Penn Highlands changed Shea’s life because it opened doors and allowed him to accomplish many things. He obtained a National Certified Peer Support Specialist certification and a bachelor’s in Behavioral Science with a minor in Social Work. He is currently at the Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships as an Intensive Case Manager who works with the Problem-Solving Courts of Blair County.

Dontae Lilly is a successful graduate of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. He earned his associate degree in Business Management in 2009, and then moved on to complete his bachelor’s degree at Saint Francis University.

Prior to attending Pennsylvania Highlands, Dontae had a career in the military. After the military, Dontae and his family moved back to Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Upon his family’s return to the area, he started visiting local colleges and universities to see what they had to offer, and ended up choosing Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

“I looked at many colleges in the region, but the comfort I felt while dealing with the staff at Penn Highlands helped make my decision an easy one. They were willing to help translate my military and real-life experience into college credits. As an adult student, Penn Highlands served as a springboard for my post-military career.”

While attending, Dontae excelled and became President of the Student Government. His leadership shined both in and out of the classroom. Dontae ultimately attributes Pennsylvania Highlands for helping him with his transition from the military into his now successful post-military career.

Meet Alex Ashcom, a lifelong resident of Johnstown who went on to become a first-generation college graduate. After high school, Alex planned to enter the military but was convinced by a friend to take some classes. It was his father’s dream to send his son to college and achieve a better life. Penn Highlands was that step. Alex proves that you can go far in life without having to leave the region.

“The professors are super involved in the lives of their students, not just from an academic standpoint, not just grading tests. They actually care.”

Bill started his educational journey at the age of 47. Six years later, he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Supported by his wife, children, and grandchildren, he had the support he needed to work full-time while attending college at night. As Bill progressed through college his skills improved. He was promoted to Sales Supervisor and then ultimately Brand Manager at a local beverage distributor. Bill credits Penn Highlands with helping him get to where he is in his career today: as a successful manager.

After graduating from Conemaugh Valley High School, Leah got the education she needed from Penn Highlands to have a successful career. In order to become a radiologic technologist, Leah had to pass a board-certified exam first. She credits Penn Highlands with giving her the confidence and education she needed to pass it.

With some help from Penn Highlands, Leah was able to get a job as a radiologic technologist the same month that she graduated. She is an integral part of our region.

Casey formed his company (Assett Conventions, LLC) shortly after he earned a Business Management degree from Pennsylvania Highlands in 2011. Fast forward to now, Sci-Fi Valley Con runs for three days every June, attracting more than 6,000 attendees, 300 exhibitors, and over 10 celebrity guests each year to the Blair County area in a single weekend. Casey credits his education with helping him start his company and ultimately create Sci-Fi Valley Con.