Classes start soon at Penn Highlands Community College in Bellefonte. Here’s a look around

Penn Highlands Community College unveiled its Centre County location on Friday, with local business and community leaders coming out to see the area’s newest post-secondary program.

Penn Highlands President Steve Nunez attended the opening ceremony, alongside Centre County Commissioner Mark Higgins and Bellefonte Borough Manager Ralph Stewart.

Located on the second floor of the Match Factory in Bellefonte, Penn Highlands’ newest location has three classrooms, faculty office spaces, a computer lab and a student activity area. Nunez said Penn Highlands will not only be an additional post-secondary option for students, but also a place for additional certifications and training for those already in the workforce.

It’s the first community college in Centre County.

“I’m a community college person at heart, I graduated from community college and have only worked at community colleges my entire life, and so when I hear the word ‘community college’ that brings pride to me,” Nunez said. “It’s about serving the community.”

Construction on the 5,200-square-foot space started in May and cost about $210,000, finishing in early July. Starting Aug. 26, students will be able to take entry-level English, math, psychology and history classes inside the new facility, as well as meet with administrators and staff.

The Bellefonte location is Penn Highland’s seventh site, allowing Centre County students better access to the community college’s in-person resources.

Although Centre County is a hub for post-secondary education, Greg Scott, president of the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County, said Penn Highlands offers something different.

“I think Penn Highlands is fitting into a niche here that we don’t have,” Scott said. “... And so this is just a great opportunity for our community to develop our young adults, young educate them, but then see them through to whatever their educational aspirations might be.”

Information on Penn Highlands Centre County location can be found on the college’s website .

Here’s a look at classroom spaces and more:

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