Burns, Rigby, Langerholc announce $1 million grant for PA Highlands CC
Rep. Frank Burns April 30, 2025
EBENSBURG, April 30 – State Reps. Frank Burns and Jim Rigby and Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr. today announced that the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in Cambria County is the recipient of a $1 million state grant to increase its capacity to provide dual credit courses.
“It’s been proven that offering students the chance to earn college credit while still in high school – known as dual credit programs – improves student outcomes, not only with increased high school graduation rates, but also college completion rates as well,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “This grant funding will help more students take in-demand courses that can lead to good jobs, strengthening our workforce and improving our economy.”
“This grant is a smart investment in our students and our local economy. By expanding dual credit opportunities at Penn Highlands Community College, we’re giving high school students across our region a head start on college and career training while saving money,” Langerholc said.
“Dual credit programs allow students to get a taste of post-secondary life and a possible future career while still working toward their high school diploma,” Rigby said. “The program is also an asset that makes Penn Highlands even more attractive as an option for study, and I applaud them for being awarded this grant.”
The Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program, administered by the state Education Department, was created in July 2024. The inaugural grants were awarded to programs to expand current offerings with particular focus on courses aligned with high-priority occupations and students in rural areas enrolled in career and technical education programs, among other criteria.