A world-class education awaits you at Penn State New Kensington, and we’re right in your backyard! Our quiet, 70-acre campus is located only 8 miles away on Route 780 in Upper Burrell Township.
We've seen the great things that Highlands students -- like Shannon -- can do with a Penn State education.
Spotlight on Highlands High School grad Shannon Josefoski
Highlands High School: Class of 2013
Penn State University: Class of 2018
Major: B.S. in Business
Minor: Civic and Community Engagement
Career aspirations: Work for a non-profit or run for public office
Shannon started her college experience at a different university where she didn't have the best experience. After taking a semester off to think about her next steps, she attended a Penn State New Kensington open house for prospective transfer students.
"When I picked Penn State New Kensington, the main reason was that the campus is 20 minutes from home," she said. "I didn’t know how to start over."
Thankfully, Shannon had a friend from high school who was already attending Penn State New Kensington. The first week of school, Shannon tagged along with her friend to a THON meeting, even though she didn't know anything about that student club or what the philanthropy does. The rest, as they say, is history.
According to Shannon, "Getting involved the first week of classes opened doors I didn't even know I wanted opened."
"I was able to become the THON Chair my second year, the SGA President my third year, I am a three-peat Orientation Leader, and attended multiple Leadership Conferences. I was the campus' representative for the Council of Commonwealth Student Government as well as on the Advisory Board and Alumni Association. I took advantage of everything that Student Life had to offer: trips to Pittsburgh for a Penguins' game, the theater, or a Pirates game; service trips to other Commonwealth campuses' areas, Tuba City, Arizona, and Cataño, Puerto Rico."
"With every step forward I was opening another door to my future. I was learning how to be a leader and how to use skills that my future employers will be looking for. Participating in all that has showed me the person I want to be and what I want to do with my future. Looking back I can honestly say that choosing Penn State New Kensington and getting involved was the best decision for me," said Shannon.
Continue your education at Penn State New Kensington
Take advantage of having a Penn State quality education so close to home by exploring your academic options.
Begin your Penn State education while you’re still enrolled at Highlands by taking a college course or two through our Dual Enrollment program. Or, if you want to wait until after you graduate, you can spend 2 or 4 years of your college experience with us. We have 5 associate degrees and 10 bachelor’s degrees that you can earn at Penn State New Kensington. Plus, there is always the 2+2 Plan where you can spend the first 2 years of a bachelor’s degree here and complete your final 2 years at another Penn State campus. All of these options lead to a Penn State degree, which is a brand name recognized for quality all around the world.
For the students who choose to live at home during college, having Penn State New Kensington just down the road is a welcome money-saving opportunity. However, even students who choose to live on their own can enjoy the relatively lower rent available in the northeastern suburbs of Pittsburgh.
Contact us
Our director of enrollment management, Monique, is ready to help you with any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to her by phone (724-334-6058) or email ([email protected]).
Ready to go
Take the first step in becoming a Penn State Nittany Lion -- learn more or apply today!
