What Is Success In Somerset County?

An education initiative developed by the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, Success in Somerset County creates awareness of career, job and educational opportunities in Somerset County through panels, tours and specialized programs. A special emphasis is placed on high-demand jobs and industries in the area. In 2013, the Chamber applied for direct funding under the Routes Grant funded by the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies to launch Success in Somerset County as a pilot program. Click here to read more about this program.

Top 50 Employers in Somerset County

The U.S. Department of Education today launched a major outreach campaign to millions of students who are now eligible for a monthly discount on broadband internet service under a temporary program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The campaign will inform millions of families with children participating in the free or reduced-price lunch or school breakfast program, and 6.5 million Pell Grant recipients that they are now eligible for the discount of up to $50 per month. Eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands can receive a discount of up to $75 per month.

Households with a child who has received approval for benefits under the under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP), including a child that attends a school participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years are now eligible for the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program). Pell Grant recipients, who are usually undergraduates with exceptional financial need, also qualify for the FCC’s EBB Program to help pursue postsecondary education if they received their grant during the 2020-2021 award year.

Eligible families of K-12 students and eligible Pell Grant recipients can apply for the discount online, via mail, or through a participating service provider. Eligible households can find participating internet service providers in their area by entering  their zip code into the Companies Near Me tool.

Financial Aid Workshop conducted by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)

This workshop is offered FREE of charge and will provide you with the latest information on financial aid for postsecondary education.  You will be provided with a workshop handbook, handouts and materials.
Due to the increasing cost of higher education, it is more important than ever for counselors and educators to understand the financial aid application process and the availability of financial aid for students. Federal grants and loans, the Pennsylvania State Grant and Special Programs, campus-based aid, financial literacy and emerging trends in student aid and the workforce will all be addressed during this vital training session.  If you are somewhat unfamiliar with financial aid, we suggest you review our 2021 workshop manual available at https://www.pheaa.org/partner-access/training/pdf/2021-financial-aid-resource-manual.pdf prior to attending the workshop.
Workshops are being offered at 36 locations throughout the state during the months of September and October.  To view a list of dates and sites, and to register for the workshop of your choice, click on the following link: https://www.pheaa.org/partner-access/training/workshops.shtml
On-site check-in the day of the workshop will be conducted from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM. Workshops will begin at 9:00 AM and conclude by 12:15 PM.
   Please register at least one week prior to the date of the workshop you wish to attend.  Upon registration, you will receive an email confirmation with workshop location, directions and parking information.
PHEAA will no longer award Act 48 credits for our Counselor Workshops.  We will be providing all attendees with a letter confirming workshop attendance.  School staff may use the letter to submit for the three hours if they choose to do so.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is excited to be offering a NEW webinar series for Educators and Counselors.  These FREE webinars will be offered the 3^rd Wednesday of each month from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and will include a variety of topics pertaining to the work you do with and for your students.  If you are unable to join us, don’t worry, we are recording the webinars for you to view at your convenience.

You can register for the webinars at PHEAA.org/virtual.

Happy Fall!  .. ..  it’s that time of year again when students and families start to have questions about postsecondary education funding sources and processes. PHEAA/PAForward October webinars will assist with those questions and more– please post to your websites and email share with your new seniors and underclassmen students and families.

Financial Aid Timeline – know what to do when

Follow financial aid experts Linda Pacewicz and Dan Wray of PHEAA’s PAForward program as they guide you along the exciting (and sometimes bumpy) road to an affordable higher education.  The journey will begin before high school and end in the land of education loan repayment – or maybe even education loan forgiveness.  One thing is for certain: it’s never to early to start preparing for a successful higher education experience.  This 1 hour presentation will provide the starting points and web resources- for effective research before, during and after your student makes postsecondary decisions.  Know what to expect and to plan for it is the key.  Failing to plan, is planning to fail!

October 28^th, Thursday, 6:30pm

Register at pheaa.org/virtual – or --   PHEAA webinar events  

Open House at ACM - Bedford

The Allegany College of Maryland Bedford County Campus will host an in-person open house from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on November 13, 2021. Prospective students will have the chance to meet with ACM representatives, tour the campus, learn about early college and ACM’s academic offerings, explore financial aid and scholarship options, discuss transfer opportunities, and enter to win one of five tuition vouchers. All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.allegany.edu, call 814-652-9528 ext. 1-6224, or email times@allegany.edu.

PennDOT Seeking Workers for Winter Maintenance Program

While we are still feeling the summer heat, PennDOT is preparing for cooler temperatures by gearing up for its winter maintenance program, which will run from September through April to supplement the permanent workforce.

Positions and paid hourly rates are as follows: transportation equipment/CDL operator ($17.05-$19.24, based on location); diesel and construction equipment mechanic ($20.40-$21.70, based on location); auto mechanic ($18.08); semi-skilled laborer ($16.05); tradesman helper ($16.05); welder ($18.08); radio dispatcher ($14.25); custodial worker ($14.25); and stock clerk ($14.25).

Anyone wishing to apply should visit employment.pa.gov and go to the PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program posting under the “Open Jobs” section of the website.

PA School Services Reminders:

• Financial Aide Workshops for Educators – Join us at the PHEAA Financial Aid Workshops as we explore the opportunities and application procedures for federal and state financial aid. We’ll discuss changes and timely issues that affect you as you work with students who are pursuing their postsecondary options. Check your email for your invitation and steps to register.
• PA-TIP – The 2021-22 PA-TIP student application is now available on org/PATIP. As a reminder, students who are considered a renewal applicant will only need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA^®). All other applicants must complete both the application and the FAFSA. Awards will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis so encourage students to apply today!

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