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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.