Foundation Scholarships

Last year, the Penn Highlands Community College Foundation awarded more than $30,000 in scholarship funds. 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. Click here to learn about Foundation giving.

Application Process

For the Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 cycle, the scholarship application will be open from March 17, 2025 through April 28, 2025. 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.

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or FAFSA Renewal (School Code: 031804).
2. Complete your course registration for the fall semester on myPEAK.
3. Access the online scholarship application using your myPEAK login and password.
4. 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 eligible high school student interested in taking ACE dual enrollment courses at Penn Highlands. Five to seven scholarships will be available each year (no specific school district will have access to more than one scholarship per academic year). Applications open each spring and close by the Friday before ACE dual enrollment registration closes.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:

• Be qualified for dual enrollment courses.
• Apply for the ACE Program. Click here to apply if you do not have a college ID.
• Have financial need as determined by free or reduced lunch eligibility.

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 the 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 $500 will be awarded annually ($250 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).

Ignite The Fire Culinary Scholarship

Now accepting applications for the Ignite The Fire Culinary Scholarship until August 15, 2024. This pass-through scholarship is funded by the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation, the Community Foundation, the 1889 Foundation, and other generous community donors. Ignite the Fire Culinary scholarships are available to students enrolled in Culinary Arts at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Accept any grant aid eligible to pay for a college education at Penn Highlands.
• Enroll as a full-time Culinary Arts student at Penn Highlands.
• Complete the Ignite the Fire Culinary Scholarship application and essay.
• Have graduated from high school and earned a high school GPA of 2.0 or greater.

Culinary students not meeting eligibility criteria due to a lower credit load (less than 12 enrolled credits) or high school GPA can directly appeal to the Foundation for exceptions.

Amount: The availability and quantity of scholarships awarded are determined by the annual fund availability and are at the discretion of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation. These scholarships, known as “last dollar scholarships,” are designed to help students cover expenses such as tuition and fees, parking passes, and the necessary culinary equipment and attire. The amount of assistance each student receives will be determined after a review of their applications.

Preference is given to Greater Johnstown High School students who participated in the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College dual enrollment program. Awards are prioritized in the order they are received.

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).

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).

Gaynelle Schmieder Memorial Scholarship

The Gaynelle Schmieder Memorial Scholarship is a pass-through scholarship funded by Mark Schmieder. Gaynelle Schmieder was a beloved professor in Health Professions at Penn Highlands. She inspired students to work together and succeed in the classroom. Her passion for education left a lasting impact on her students and their lives. Living her life to the fullest, Gaynelle would take weekend trips and ride her motorcycle. At the end of her distinguished career, she was honored with obtaining an emeritus status. Gaynelle will be remembered for the impact she had on Penn Highlands and to all who knew her.

Award: $1,000.00 annually, with $500.00 awarded to two students in two consecutive semesters ($250 in Fall and $250 in Spring). 

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 a matriculated student in a Health Professions pathway
• Have a 2.5 cumulative GPA

Preferences: Preference is given to single parents.

Spruce Street Animal Clinic Scholarship

The Spruce Street Animal Clinic Scholarship is a pass-through scholarship funded by Cynthia Coppock, VMD.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:

• Demonstrate financial need.
• Must be a Huntington or Mifflin County resident.
• Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average for second semester eligibility.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)*
• Complete the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Scholarship Application & Essay*
• Complete and submit a thank you.
• *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 $10,000 will be awarded annually.

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 in Huntingdon County, PA.
• Have enrolled as either a full or part-time student at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College,
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Complete the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Scholarship Application including the scholarship essay.

A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually (in two consecutive semesters).

Preferences: Preference will be given to students who have attended the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center and/or to students enrolling in career-technical academic programs at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

If the Foundation cannot identify an eligible student, the Foundation will directly work with the donors to possibly identify another candidate that may not meet all the above criteria or preferences. Candidates may include students who are working with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College as dual enrollment students.