fbpx
Contact Us Apply

Newsroom

  • College ranks 2nd among Community Colleges in Pennsylvania based on recent Study

    Posted November 19, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been ranked the second best community college in Pennsylvania by Schools.com. In total, Pennsylvania has 14 community colleges serving the state.

    The study performed by Schools.com gathered data on seven quantitative metrics (percentage of students enrolled in distance education, total cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratio, average retention rate, graduation rate, number of transfer agreements, and flexibility) and were put through a carefully weighted analysis model to determine where the best community colleges could be found.

    According to the data, Pennsylvania Highlands featured the third-highest rate of outbound transfers in the state. It was also one of four schools to tie for second place in number of students per faculty member, with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reporting a student-faculty ratio of 17:1.

    The study recognized that the College’s cost of attendance is relatively inexpensive, and that the Johnstown-based institution achieved the highest retention rate among all two-year public schools in Pennsylvania. This coincides with data provided by the U.S. Department of Education indicating that Pennsylvania Highlands ranks first in lowest net price for two-year public institutions in Pennsylvania.

    About Pennsylvania Highlands:
    Since 1994, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has served over 52,000 community members throughout the Southern Alleghenies region and beyond utilizing five facilities in Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon, and Somerset counties, and an Online Campus. Offering over 30 degree, certificate and diploma programs, Penn Highlands has the highest graduation rate of all community colleges in Pennsylvania. Our nationally accredited dual enrollment program is one of only two such accredited programs in the state and is the foundation of our innovative associates in the high school program. Workforce and continuing education programs round out our diverse offerings, making Pennsylvania Highlands the choice for a quality and affordable education. The College currently has an enrollment exceeding 2,500 students.

    About Schools.com:
    Schools.com is a resource for career-minded students that features in-depth information about growing careers and different educational programs, both online and on-campus, and helps job-seekers and students alike identify potential pathways to success. Schools.com has a network of writers and researchers that compose authoritative articles and infographics that have been syndicated numerous times on national media outlets like AOL and USA Today. Topics that are regularly discussed include career outlooks and planning, adult education, college financial planning, time management tips and more. The wide network of educational institutions, government agencies, bloggers and members of the media that reference and link to the articles and resources on Schools.com continues to grow. Its vast directory of schools makes it easy for students to connect with programs in approximately 200 subjects spanning all 50 states.

  • Free Viewing of Critically-Acclaimed Documentary “The Hunting Ground”

    Posted November 10, 2015 at 9:59 am

    Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will host a free public viewing of the film “The Hunting Ground” on Tuesday, November 17th, at 12:30 pm in the Richland Campus Auditorium. The film, which presents several students who discuss being sexually assaulted at their college campus and their experience in reporting these assaults to college administrators, is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes long.

    Slate reported that the film “has received nearly universal acclaim from critics,” and is a “documentary… whose influence continues to grow.” The Washington Post called it “lucid,” “infuriating,” and “galvanizing.”

    While the film has been labeled by some as controversial, it provides an opportunity to open the door for increased discussion on prevention and ways the whole community can stand up against victim blaming and the failure of those in charge to act responsibly.

    This film presentation is free and open to the public, and is being hosted by Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and Victim Services, Incorporated. The screening will take place in the Richland Campus Auditorium, at 101 Community College Way in Johnstown, PA.

    Staff members from Victim Services will be in attendance to assist anyone who may experience any traumatic response to the film. Please keep in mind that there is no food or drink permitted in the College’s auditorium and that free parking is available.

  • College designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School; named to Top 25 Community Colleges List

    Posted November 5, 2015 at 9:22 am

    2016_MFS_Logo_200x200Pennsylvania Highlands Community College announced today that it has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School, as well as a spot on the Top 25 Community Colleges list, by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds, and publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM, and Military Spouse. Now in its seventh year, the original, premier Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities.

    Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of over 100 questions covering ten categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by EY (Ernst & Young) based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent Advisory Board of higher education and recruiting professionals.

    “Pennsylvania Highlands is pleased to once again be recognized as a military friendly school,” said Dr. Walter Asonevich, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “We take great pride in providing educational opportunities to members of the military and their families and thank them for their sacrifice and service.”

    “Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly® School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses,” said Daniel Nichols, Chief Product Officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran. “Our Military Friendly® Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.”

    Visit Pennsylvania Highlands Community College full website for more information about the College’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students at www.pennhighlands.edu. Penn Highlands will be showcased along with other 2016 Military Friendly® Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly® Schools, special education issues of G.I. Jobs® and Military Spouse Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

    About Victory Media: Based in Pittsburgh, Victory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects classrooms to careers for the nation’s next generation of professionals. Our data driven ratings are published in G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse, Vetrepreneur®, and STEM JobsSM media, and featured in national media including USA Today, Wall Street Journal, FORTUNE, Bloomberg, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, CNBC, Fox News and others. Learn more about our Media, Training and Ratings solutions at victorymedia.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

  • Somerset Center to host combined Open House with Conemaugh Allied Health

    Posted November 2, 2015 at 8:48 am

    The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Somerset Center will be holding a combined open house with Conemaugh Allied Health on Monday, November 9th, from 6pm to 7:30pm. This open house will be held at the College’s Somerset Center, in the Georgian Place, Somerset.

    Individuals attending will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from both organizations. If you are interested in a Conemaugh Health program or simply earning your college degree, this event is the perfect place for you to begin and get any questions answered.

    To learn more about Pennsylvania Highlands Somerset, or this event, please contact the Center at 814.443.2500, 1.888.385.PEAK, or somerset@pennhighlands.edu.

    Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been serving community members for over 20 years with quality and affordable academic options, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

  • Celebrate Fall with Haunted Week; Free events, including a Community Trick or Treat

    Posted October 8, 2015 at 10:23 am

    Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is celebrating the fall season by planning several free events open to the public, including students, faculty, and staff, and members of the community. All events will be held on the College’s Richland Campus at 101 Community College Way, and will include the following:

    • Monday, October 26, from 6pm to 7:30pm: A community trick or treat will be held throughout the Richland Campus for children 12 and under. This will be combined with fall games and crafts for the children, and a haunted hallway
    • Tuesday, October 27, 12:30pm to 2pm: Held in the Cyber Lounge, a themed murder mystery, “A Spooky Hollow Horror” will occur. The grand celebration of the new owner has been overshadowed by the spine-chilling murder of one of the guests. Since everyone is a suspect, this ghoulish gang is out for an afternoon of fright and horror! All guests will have fun playing their unique characters and investigating this unpredictable outcome. Contact Jake Goch to register at 814.262.6486 or jgoch@pennhighlands.edu.
    • Wednesday, October 28, from 1pm to 3pm: Want to star in your own short Halloween horror movie? It only takes 10 minutes. The Media Production Club wants to give you the title role in the blockbuster hit “School of the Damned!” Your character will be thrown into the terrifying Zombie Pit (the courtyard) to battle and live to see another day. How will it end? The choice is yours! And, don’t forget to watch the credits for the bonus post-credits scene. This black and white horror extravaganza comes complete with full production and your name in the credits, and the Club will provide you with a electronic copy of your masterpiece. A $5 donation to the Media Production Club would be accepted to help fund future projects. Schedule your appointment with stardom by emailing Glenn Barbis at v385o2@pennhighlands.edu.
    • Friday, October 30, from 12:30pm to 2pm: Held in the Cyber Lounge, the second annual reading of select works by Edgar Allen Poe will be done by students. Works include “The Raven”, “The Cask of Amontillado”, and others. Come and join us for an afternoon of eerie literary fun listening to some of Poe’s psychological thrillers! For die hard Poe fans, feel free to come dressed in your best 1840s period attire.

    Further details on any of the events can be obtained by contacting Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Student Activities at 814.262.6463 or studentactivities@pennhighlands.edu.