Newsroom

Updated PA Director Credential Helps Professionals Earn Industry Credential

Beginning this fall, early childcare professionals will have our PA Director Credential available to help them advance their careers, local families, and the region. This updated certificate program is built for current and future directors and owners of Early Childhood and Education facilities, and will teach them leadership, program quality, organization and administration, business management, and curriculum and pedagogy.

Graduates will be eligible to apply for the PA Key Director Core Certificate, which will allow them to be preferred candidates for director positions in programs participating in Pennsylvania’s Quality Initiative: Keystone Stars.

This program consists of three asynchronous courses (courses taken at the same time), allowing individuals to complete the program in just a few months. Since the program is strictly online, participants can complete the program at their own pace on their schedules.

Pennsylvania Highlands has six locations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region, serving residents of western Pennsylvania.

About PA Director Credential (Certificate)
To obtain the PA Director Credential a student must successfully complete nine (9) credits based on three (3) required courses. All courses are taken at the same time in an online format. Click here for program details.

Ribbon-Cutting Unveils Blair Center Expansion

The highly anticipated Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Blair Center expansion was unveiled on Thursday, July 26th during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Representatives from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Blair County Chamber of Commerce, and other local officials were on-hand for this momentous occasion.

The 14,000-plus square foot modern expansion includes five classrooms, one science lab, one computer lab, a student services area, and several comfortable areas for lounging or individual study. Penn Highlands Blair is located within the Logan Valley Mall, next to Macy’s. Click here for details on all of the programs offered and more.

Blair Expansion Highlighted At Open House Event

After months of construction, the highly anticipated Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Blair Center expansion within the Logan Valley Mall is nearing completion and will be open to the public this month. The 14,000-plus square foot expansion will be unveiled on Thursday, July 26^th, during an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The open house will take place from noon to 6pm, with the ribbon cutting ceremony taking place at 2pm. It will highlight the Blair Center’s modern expansion, which includes five classrooms, one science lab, one computer lab, a student services area, and several comfortable areas for lounging or individual study. Our black bear mascot will also be on-hand for photos from noon to 2pm, with refreshments and souvenirs available for attendees throughout the event.

Our Blair Center offers a variety of academic programs with new additions in the Healthcare industry. Fall classes begin on Monday, August 27^th.

“Post-secondary education is a catalyst for personal and professional growth,” said Trish Corle, Vice President of Student Services. “Our newly expanded location will provide advanced technology, hands-on learning opportunities, and enhanced student services aimed at developing a well-trained and educated workforce. It is our honor to be serving the residents, businesses, and leaders of Blair County.”

Penn Highlands Blair is located within the Logan Valley Mall, next to Macy’s. Click for details.

Nine Local High School Students Earn Full-Tuition Scholarship

We would like to congratulate the outstanding work of the area high school students that were awarded the College’s Board of Trustees Academic Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors in the region that demonstrate excellence in academics and extracurricular activities. Eligible students must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in their high school career, participate in various activities, and demonstrate leadership throughout their community.

Scholarship recipients receive a full-tuition scholarship to attend Pennsylvania Highlands Community College to complete an associate’s degree. We would like to honor those who will receive the 2018 Board Academic Scholarship:

• Nick Brawley of Ebensburg, PA (Cambria Heights High School)
• Anthony De Jesus of Johnstown, PA (Greater Johnstown Senior High School)
• Michael Hartman of Windber, PA (Johnstown Christian School)
• Zachary Horwat of Clymer, PA (Penns Manor Area High School)
• Kateri Krise of Loretto, PA (Penn Cambria Area High School)
• Courtney Loughran of Carrolltown, PA (Cambria Heights High School)
• Evan Orr of Homer City, PA (United Junior-Senior High School)
• Sheena Pastuch of Boswell, PA (North Star High School)
• Thomas Tavalsky of Ebensburg, PA (Central Cambria High School)

Nick Brawley

Anthony DeJesus

Michael Hartman

Zack Horwat

Kateri Krise

Courtney Loughran

Evan Orr

Sheena Pastuch

Thomas Tavalsky

Revamped Accounting Degree Provides Industry Designation Option

Our Accounting associate degree program has been revamped to better meet industry needs and help graduates find a career in less time.

Job skills and employability were key factors in the design of the revamped Accounting degree. Beginning this fall, the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Accounting will provide successful students with the opportunity to earn a Certified Bookkeeper designation through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).

This designation will instantly help graduates prove their skills and quickly obtain employment. According to the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, 66% of Certified Bookkeepers who have interviewed for a new job since becoming certified say that certification was important in obtaining the interview, and 46% of employed Certified Bookkeepers have gotten either a new job or promotion since being certified.

Accounting students will gain an understanding and application of accounting theory and practice and will have achieved a level of proficiency in related areas, including economics, management, marketing, information technology, and business sub-disciplines.

Graduates will know how to develop, measure, analyze, validate, and communicate financial information for use in proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. They will be able to complete the entire accounting cycle, including payroll.

“This is an exciting time for students in our Accounting program as they will have more options after graduation,” stated Melissa Boback, Accounting Lecturer and Program Coordinator at Penn Highlands Community College. “Graduates always had the choice to transfer their credits into a bachelor’s degree program, but now they will enjoy greater employability with their ability to earn the Certified Bookkeeper designation.”

Pennsylvania Highlands has six locations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region that serve residents of western Pennsylvania.

About Accounting (Associate Degree)
To obtain the Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 63 credits based on general education and specific major courses. Graduates will be able to earn a Certified Bookkeeper designation through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.