Empowering Somerset County Students to
Achieve Their Dreams

Since 1994, the Somerset County Foundation for Higher Education has awarded over $790,000 in scholarships to nearly 4,000 students. Your future starts here.

$790K+

Awarded to Date

4,000+

Students Served

30+

Years of Service

501(c)(3)

Nonprofit Status

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Making Higher Education a Reality for Every Somerset County Resident

The Somerset County Foundation for Higher Education is dedicated to empowering Somerset County residents to achieve their post-secondary educational goals. Our Board of Directors, comprised of fourteen esteemed members from diverse sectors — including business, education, private industry, and government — brings a wealth of experience and commitment to our mission.

Our part-time Executive Director, Suzanne Funa, works alongside our dedicated board to ensure that Somerset County residents have access to quality post-secondary education within the county. Since our inception, we have been steadfast in our mission to support students through scholarships, tuition assistance, and low-interest student loans.

  • Scholarships for Somerset County residents
  • Tuition assistance programs
  • Low-interest student loans
  • Community partnership initiatives

"We are a non-profit, fundraising organization committed to making post-secondary education accessible and affordable for all Somerset County residents."

— SCFHE Mission Statement
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Since 1994

Serving Somerset County

A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Scholarship & Assistance Programs

We offer a range of programs designed to make higher education accessible to all Somerset County residents, from traditional scholarships to innovative community events.

Scholarship

General Scholarship Fund

All Post-Secondary Programs

Financial assistance for Somerset County residents pursuing any form of post-secondary education, including universities, community colleges, and vocational programs.

  • Open to all county residents
  • Multiple award amounts
  • Renewable annually
Download Application
Financial Aid

Low-Interest Student Loans

Affordable Education Financing

We provide low-interest student loans to help bridge the gap between financial aid and the actual cost of education, making higher education more accessible.

  • Below-market interest rates
  • Flexible repayment terms
  • No prepayment penalties
Learn More

Three Decades of Transforming Lives Through Education

Since our founding in 1994, we have consistently invested in the future of Somerset County through education funding and community partnerships.

$744K+

Total Awarded

4,000+

Students Served

65

Nursing Scholarships

$39,255

Fall 2024 Awards

"This program is Somerset's best-kept secret, and we wish more residents were aware of this outstanding opportunity."

— SCFHE Board of Directors

Marathon Dog Month

Join our signature fundraising event! Walk 26.2 miles with your dog over the course of a month while raising funds for Somerset County student scholarships.

26.2
Miles in One Month
Walk at your own pace, any route, any time
1
Register

Sign up online and choose your package

2
Walk

Complete 26.2 miles during the month

3
Track

Log your daily miles and progress

4
Celebrate

Earn your medal and champion status

Single Dog

$26.20

Two Dogs

$50 - $75

Ready to Make a Difference?

Register today and join hundreds of dog owners supporting Somerset County student scholarships.

Join the Marathon

Hall of Champions

Meet our amazing marathon dogs who have completed the challenge!

🐶
2024

Rusty

Champion
26.2 miles
🐶
2024

Duchess

Champion
26.2 miles
🐶
2023

Max

Finisher
26.2 miles
🐶
2023

Luna

Finisher
26.2 miles

Community Partners

We are proud to work alongside these outstanding organizations in our mission to make higher education accessible to all Somerset County residents.

Academic Partner

Allegheny College of Maryland

Somerset Site

Educational Facility

Somerset County Technology Center

Vocational Training

Healthcare

UPMC Somerset

Healthcare Partner

Foundation

Community Foundation

for the Alleghenies

Academic Partner

Somerset Area School District

K-12 Education

Community Partner

Somerset County Commissioners

Government Support

Join Our Mission

Whether you're a student seeking financial support, a donor wanting to make a difference, or an organization looking to partner with us, we welcome you.

Voices of Our Scholars

Hear from the students whose lives have been transformed through SCFHE scholarships and programs.

"The SCFHE scholarship made it possible for me to pursue my nursing degree without the crushing burden of student debt. I am now a proud RN serving the community that invested in me."
SM

Sarah M.

Nursing Scholarship Recipient

Leadership & Governance

Our dedicated board of directors brings together leaders from business, education, private industry, and government to guide our mission.

SF

Suzanne Funa

Executive Director

Leading SCFHE's mission to make higher education accessible for all Somerset County residents.

KW

Kenneth Warnick

Chairperson

Guiding the foundation's strategic direction and community partnerships.

LF

Linda Fetterolf

Vice-Chairperson

Supporting scholarship programs and student outreach initiatives.

EB

Emily Baer

Secretary

Managing foundation records and communications with the community.

TR

Timothy Resh

Treasurer

Overseeing financial stewardship and scholarship fund management.

Contact Us

Have questions about our scholarship programs, want to make a donation, or interested in partnering with us? We'd love to hear from you.

Send Us a Message

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Contact Information

Address

Somerset County, Pennsylvania