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New Institute For Cyber Security Includes Modernized Computer Technology Programs

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College proudly announces the launch of the Institute of Cyber Security (ICS), offering a comprehensive educational suite of pathway programs that includes three associate degree programs and two certificate options.

The College’s Institute for Cyber Security promotes and encourages cybersecurity awareness and practice through teaching, research, and service activities.

“We are excited about the opportunity to address the specific cybersecurity needs and local demands of our community,” stated Dr. Cynthia Doherty, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Our students will not only meet the standards set by the College, but also align with industry standards, ensuring preparation for the field of cybersecurity.”

Starting in the Fall 2024 semester, the Institute for Cyber Security’s Computer Technology program will unveil updated curriculums for both of its tracks – Cyber Security and Information Technology Administration.

The certificate program in Cybersecurity also has a revamped curriculum, which teaches the skills to effectively safeguard computers and networks against a wide range of threats, including malware, viruses, protocol attacks, and more.

The Cyber Security and Information Technology Administration associate degrees will contain a full-time, two-year curriculum with the possibility of completing as many as 69 credits. The Cybersecurity certificate is a part-time, two-year program consisting of seven courses for 22 total credits.

Each technical course of the certificate program will provide students with a different certification that is preferred by employers within the cybersecurity field.

Pennsylvania Highlands is also collaborating with local high schools to introduce a two-year program that allows students to earn the certificate while still in high school. Students will begin the program as juniors and complete it by the time they earn their high school diploma. Two high schools have already committed to the project, with several others considering participation.

Scholarship money for the courses may be available to the students from the PC4A grant.

“This opportunity through PC4A is a chance to get interested students started in the field earlier,” stated Greg Paonessa, Instructor of Computer Technology. “A lot of high school students are at the point where they don’t know exactly where they want to go. With this option, if they like it, they can get involved sooner and be more prepared for further education or future employment upon completion of the certificate.”

All Computer Technology programs require an internship or a final project to graduate, so students will already have field experience in their respective area upon employment.

“The Institute for Cyber Security attracts not only students, but also individuals employed full-time, offering broad appeal across diverse demographics,” stated Erica Reighard, Dean of Faculty.

About PC4A (www.pc4a.org)
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a part of the PC4A Consortium. PC4A is comprised of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and six community colleges in Pennsylvania. The goal of PC4A is to support and strengthen the cyber security workforce in the United States of America. The PC4A Project is proudly funded by the US Department of Defense. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Naval Research. 

College To Host Free Cybersecurity Community Event

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be hosting a Cybersecurity Community Event on Friday, March 22, from 1 PM to 3 PM at the College’s Richland Campus.  

The event is free and open to anyone interested in learning how to protect their online information, with a special emphasis for senior citizens who are most vulnerable to cyber-attacks. 

“We are focused on trying to meet the general needs of the community,” stated Greg Paonessa, Instructor of Computer Technology. “Those who are very young and very old are the most vulnerable in society. We hope those who attend will become more knowledgeable while receiving valuable information on cybersecurity.”  

Attendees will receive a presentation from the Secret Service on internet security basics, learn how to detect and avoid scams, make purchases online safely, and protect bank records. There will be special hands-on activities for seniors to test their knowledge about cyber threats. 

Additionally, local corporations such as Ameriserv, All Lines Technology, and CTC will be on hand to meet with participants and discuss their services. 

For questions, contact Greg Paonessa at gpaonessa@pennh.25comm.com. 

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a part of the PC4A Consortium. PC4A is comprised of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and six community colleges in Pennsylvania. The goal of PC4A is to support and strengthen the cyber security workforce in the United States of America. 

College To Open New Centre County Location In Bellefonte

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced that it has signed a lease in Bellefonte, PA to open a new facility. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is set to open its latest educational location, the Centre County facility, in late 2024. This new location will offer a blend of in-person courses eligible for transfer and comprehensive online degree programs.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Centre County (Penn Highlands Centre County), as it will be known, is designed to serve residents from all over the region and will be housed on the second floor of the converted Pennsylvania Match Company building on Phoenix Avenue in Bellefonte Borough. The 5,200-square-foot establishment will contain three classrooms, one computer lab, one conference room, five faculty and/or employee offices, and a student activity area.

“It is with great excitement that Penn Highlands is opening a new educational location in Bellefonte,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands Community College President. “I pledge that the College will remain focused on its mission of providing affordable, accessible, and quality education to Centre County, that we will remain community-focused, and that we will build strong partnerships that will enhance the prosperity of the region.”

Penn Highlands Centre County plans to initially focus its academic offerings on transfer-based programming. Transfer programs typically include Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees. These programs aim to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to smoothly transition after earning an associate degree. The College currently has 166 articulation agreements with 33 colleges and universities.

Moreover, the College provides an extensive selection of online programs accessible to students in Centre County and beyond. Penn Highlands Centre County offers a range of in-person services and support for online students. It will serve as a valuable resource for those seeking assistance, providing access to various resources and personalized guidance to enhance their learning experience. This seamless integration of online and in-person resources guarantees a comprehensive and convenient learning experience for all individuals involved.

As Pennsylvania Highlands Community College aims to deliver meaningful academic programs for students within the region, the College has formed an Advisory Council comprising of professionals and business industry experts from across Centre County. These council members will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Bellefonte community through the recommendation of quality programming to meet regional needs. The first Advisory Council meeting was held in February.

“The choice made by Pennsylvania Highlands Community College to establish a presence in Bellefonte is an extraordinary one for the people in this region,” stated Ralph Stewart, Borough Manager for Bellefonte. “The faculty and staff exemplify excellence, driven by their passion to positively impact lives through affordable and high-quality education for career success. Presently, there exists an unparalleled opportunity to pursue employment in any industry, provided you possess the necessary education. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College brings this opportunity to our area.”

During the 2022-2023 academic year, community colleges in Pennsylvania educated 236,000 undergraduate students, representing 48% of all undergraduates in the state. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College was among the institutions pivotal in offering educational opportunities to students in Pennsylvania. With a mission to expand access to quality education, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College looks to provide excellence and ensure educational growth for all.

To enhance classroom space and provide an authentic college experience, minor construction is scheduled to take place at Penn Highlands Centre County before the start of fall classes in August.

Wellness Showcase To Highlight Health & Well-Being Coming March 19

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Wellness Committee will be hosting a Wellness Showcase on Tuesday, March 19, from 11 AM to 2 PM in the main hallway of the College’s Richland Campus.

The event will be an exhibit of local businesses relating to the various aspects of wellness, comprising eight mutually co-dependent dimensions: emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial.

Achieving a harmonious balance across all dimensions of wellness is crucial for one’s overall well-being. This is what the Wellness Committee aims to cultivate within the Penn Highlands community.

Fifteen businesses have confirmed their attendance for the event, including Highlands Health Medical Clinic, The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and United Way of the Southern Alleghenies.

Penn State Announces Collaboration With PA Community Colleges

Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses and the state’s community colleges have announced a new collaboration aimed at expanding educational opportunities in Pennsylvania and removing barriers to degree completion among college students. The collaboration builds upon longstanding relationships between the campuses and the community colleges and a shared commitment to access and affordability in higher education.

As part of the new initiative, individual Commonwealth Campuses and community colleges will renew or enter into new articulation agreements using a standard template. Articulation agreements help streamline the process for students to transfer from community colleges to the campuses. In addition, the community colleges and Commonwealth Campuses will work together to strengthen academic advising and transition support services, further easing the transfer process.

The collaboration will promote the availability of RaiseME Transfer Scholarships. Penn State currently participates in the RaiseME initiative, which enables students who enroll at Pennsylvania community colleges and transfer to Penn State Commonwealth Campuses to earn a baccalaureate degree at considerable savings. Students can start earning a Penn State RaiseMe scholarship while working toward graduation at a community college. They earn micro-scholarships for achievements such as getting good grades, participating in co-curricular activities or volunteering in the community. When they transfer to Penn State, the micro-scholarships are converted to a Penn State scholarship.

The Commonwealth Campus and community college collaboration also establishes a common dual admission program. Pennsylvania community college students with a high school degree who are enrolled in an associate degree program may request dual admission to a designated Penn State Commonwealth Campus and receive a conditional offer of admission to that campus. During their last semester of community college enrollment, these students will submit a transfer application at no fee. They will be guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program at that campus, provided certain eligibility requirements have been met. Students can learn more about this opportunity at Penn State’s undergraduate admissions website.