The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has awarded free tuition to 29 standout community college students named to the 2025 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, underscoring PASSHE’s commitment to student success, affordability, and workforce development.

Selected by their respective colleges, the students will attend one of PASSHE’s public universities, receiving two years of free tuition as they pursue degrees in high-demand fields such as education, healthcare, business, and environmental science.

“Each of these students exemplifies the dedication and excellence we strive for at PASSHE,” said Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. “This partnership with community colleges is about delivering opportunity and ensuring that students succeed in the classroom and in their careers.”

Since 2010, more than 55,000 students have made the transition, supported by guaranteed junior-year admission and a 95% credit transfer rate for those who complete associate degrees.

More than 62% of transfer students choose in-demand majors like business, psychology, computer science, biology, and education — aligning their education with areas facing workforce shortages.

Highlights from the 2025 Awardees
   •Sofia Francia will study early childhood education at PennWest University.

   •Sierra Hauer will attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania for environmental science.

   •Colin Hogan, a psychology major with a sociology minor, is enrolled at Kutztown University.

   •Sennett Purcell will pursue child psychology at Slippery Rock University.

   •Emma Thomas will major in media and journalism at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg.

   •Brooke Weiss, a full-time worker and night student, will study management at West Chester University.

Participating PASSHE Universities Include:
   •Commonwealth University (Bloomsburg)

   •Indiana University of Pennsylvania

   •Kutztown University

   •PennWest University (California, Clarion, Edinboro)

   •Slippery Rock University

   •West Chester University


PASSHE is Pennsylvania’s public university system, conferring over 20,000 degrees annually.

It includes 10 universities across 14 campuses and supports more than 800,000 alumni, most of whom live and work in the Commonwealth.

Learn more at: www.passhe.edu.