READING, PA — Reading Area Community College’s Nursing Program has been ranked number two in Pennsylvania by RegisteredNursing.org in their 10th annual rankings of the best nursing schools for 2026.

This recognition shines a spotlight on the dedication, expertise, and passion of the outstanding nursing faculty and staff. Their commitment to academic excellence, hands-on training, and student support has created one of the top nursing programs in the state. Most importantly, it reflects the hard work of RACC students, who graduate fully prepared to begin their nursing careers with confidence and compassion.

Pennsylvania has more than 80 approved public and private nursing programs, offering a wide range of degrees from Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificates to doctoral degrees, with sources indicating 84 institutions offering associate's or certificate programs and 63 offering bachelor's degrees.

The outlook for nurses in Pennsylvania is promising, with projections showing a steady demand for nursing professionals in the coming years. Choosing the right nursing school is crucial for aspiring healthcare professionals. 

Registerednursing.org has developed comprehensive rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania, focusing exclusively on NCLEX pass rates as the primary evaluation metric. These rankings help students identify top-performing programs that maximize their chances of successfully completing the NCLEX licensure exam.

RACC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program provides an exceptional pathway for future nurses, boasting impressive NCLEX pass rates consistently near 100% in recent years. The comprehensive two-year program offers flexible day and evening class schedules, emphasizing hands-on clinical experiences and advanced simulation labs. 

“I want to extend heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the faculty and staff of the nursing program for this well-deserved honor. Their efforts not only elevate RACC but also strengthen the healthcare community across our region,” says RACC President, Dr. Susan Looney.

Students benefit from rigorous coursework covering essential nursing processes, patient care techniques, and professional skill development. The curriculum is strategically designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry-level nursing positions and smooth transitions into RN-BSN programs. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, completion of prerequisite courses, and successful navigation of a selective admission process. With experienced faculty and strong clinical affiliates in the Reading area, students receive robust preparation for their nursing careers.

The features of RACC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program include:

• Day and evening class options
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Simulation labs
• Easy transfer to RN-BSN programs
• Experienced faculty support
• Clinical affiliates in Reading area
• High school diploma or GED required
• Prerequisite courses needed
• Selective admission process

To learn more about career opportunities in nursing at RACC, visit racc.edu/academics/nursing-program, or contact an enrollment specialist at admissions@racc.edu, 610.607.6224.

David Hessen
Director of Marketing & Communications
Reading Area Community College
610.607.6212
dhessen@racc.edu

READING PA – In 2019 The Highlands at Wyomissing® established a resident-founded scholarship initiative to support its employees in their pursuit of education and career advancement. Made possible by the residents’ generosity and commitment to fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth, The Highlands at Wyomissing Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance for employees seeking to earn college credits or complete a certificate program. 

This initiative reflects both the residents’ dedication to giving back and The Highlands’ longstanding commitment to supporting its employees. By investing in education, the program aims to create pathways for upward mobility while strengthening the skilled workforce that makes The Highlands a premier senior living community. This year the Foundation for Reading Area Community College has joined forces with The Highlands in forming The Highlands at Wyomissing Scholarship Program at Reading Area Community College (RACC).

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our residents, whose commitment to education and career growth has made this program possible,” says Cameron Martin, Vice President of Marketing and Development for The Highlands at Wyomissing. 

“With RACC’s dollar-for-dollar match, we can expand access to education even further, ensuring that our employees have every opportunity to build fulfilling and rewarding careers. The Highlands at Wyomissing Scholarship Program will provide the resources they need to take the next step in their journey.” 

The Foundation for Reading Area Community College will match dollar per dollar all scholarship funds distributed by the Highlands at Wyomissing for students who aspire to earn an associate’s degree or complete a certificate program at Reading Area Community College. The Foundation for Reading Area Community College will allow up to $15,000 in aggregate total for all employees/students per year. 

“The Foundation for RACC recognizes the enormous academic potential that many employees of the Highlands at Wyomissing possess. Matching the scholarship dollars that Highlands distributes will enhance an already strong scholarship initiative. We look forward to seeing many talented Highlands employees earn their college degrees at RACC,” commented Executive Director of the Foundation for RACC and Vice President of Advancement, Tony DeMarco.  

Interested individuals or organizations may make contributions to specify that their gifts will be directed to the Highlands at Wyomissing Scholarship Program at Reading Area Community College. Distributions shall be used to assist students in paying for tuition, fees, books, and supplies necessary for the successful completion of coursework, as well as other reasonable and necessary expenses that support students’ participation in the program.  

The Highlands at Wyomissing will announce the winners of the Highlands at Wyomissing Scholarship in the spring of each year, with awards distributed in August of the same year. The Foundation for Reading Area Community College will then match the funding provided by the Highlands at Wyomissing once the employee/student has completed the college application and meets the Scholarship Eligibility Criteria.

David Hessen
Director of Marketing and Communications
Reading Area Community College
610.607.6212
dhessen@racc.edu

James H. "Jim" Yocum, one of the beloved and impactful leaders in the history of Reading Area Community College, passed away at the age of 98 on April 8, 2025. His legacy is marked by his exceptional dedication to education, philanthropy, and service to his treasured Berks County community.

A lifelong advocate for higher education, Jim served as a Trustee of Reading Area Community College for 24 years, from July 1, 1991, through June 30, 2015. He demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the college and its students throughout his tenure. Jim's leadership was particularly evident in his roles as vice chairman from 1996 to 1998 and again from 2000 to 2002, as well as chairman from 1998 to 2000 and 2002 to 2004. His influence on the college's direction, growth, and success was immeasurable.

Jim was the driving force that established the Foundation for RACC in 1983. He served as the first chairman of the Foundation. He established a remarkable 25 endowed Yocum Scholarships that have allowed hundreds of Berks County students earn a college degree at Reading Area Community College. The Foundation for RACC, which Jim created, now has over 32 million dollars in assets, and stands as the second largest among all community colleges in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Jim also worked closely with his friends Dr. Gust Zogas and Marlin Miller to establish the Reading High School to Reading Area Community College Opportunity Scholarship Program that has provided tuition for hundreds of Reading High School students to attend Reading Area Community College.

Jim made a significant gift that allowed the Reading Area Community College leadership to build the first new building on the campus; a library. The Yocum Library has since served thousands of Reading Area Community College students, faculty, and staff. The Yocum Family Archives are also stored in the Yocum Library.

In recognition of his outstanding service, the Trustee Emeritus award was renamed to the James H. Yocum Trustee Emeritus award. Jim was honored as the first recipient of this prestigious designation.

Jim Yocum’s contributions to Reading Area Community College will never be forgotten. Future generations of our students will be given the gift of a college education because of Jim Yocum’s incredible generosity.

For many, college is the beginning of a journey—but for one alum, Reading Area Community College was not just the starting point; it became the foundation for a lifelong commitment to education, community, and giving back.

A proud graduate of RACC, Jake Horay earned Associate degrees in both Business Management and Social Work. But beyond academics, RACC sparked a deeper passion—for community engagement and philanthropy—that would influence every step that followed.

“RACC provided me with a strong foundation,” he shared. “Not only did it equip me with valuable knowledge and skills, but it also shaped my desire to serve and uplift others.”

Motivated to continue their educational journey, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Business Administration from Peirce College of Philadelphia. Along the way, he also obtained certifications in Human Resource Management and Leadership—further sharpening his tools for creating positive change.

Today, Jake proudly serve as the Manager of Annual Giving and Alumni/Donor Relations at the RACC Foundation, a role that brings his journey full circle. From student to advocate, his mission is clear: to strengthen connections between alumni, donors, and the college, ensuring future generations of RACC students receive the same opportunities that paved the way for his own success.

“RACC was more than just a college for me—it was a launching pad. Now, I have the privilege of giving back to the place that gave me so much. It’s about creating opportunities and building a legacy that lasts.”

With a passion for relationship-building and a heart rooted in service, Jake continue to make a lasting impact on the RACC community—proving that where your story begins can shape where it leads.

READING PA – Lehigh Valley Business has selected Terri Lampe Melcher, vice president of workforce development and continuing education at Reading Area Community College (RACC), as an honored member of its prestigious Business Circle of Excellence. Melcher previously was honored by Lehigh Valley Business as a recipient of its Women of Influence award.  

Mrs. Melcher is the wife of Marathon Founder and CEO Ray Melcher.

This recognition honors high-achieving women for their career accomplishments. The honorees are selected based on their professional experience, community involvement and commitment to mentoring. 

Circle of Excellence honorees are women of longstanding, notable success in the community. To be eligible for the awards, the honorees must live or work in the Greater Lehigh Valley region, including Berks County. 

The honorees were selected by a panel of judges comprised of previous years’ Circle of Excellence honorees and the Lehigh Valley Business editorial team.

“The honorees are outstanding leaders who inspire innovation, celebrate success and support the next generation of leaders. They open doors and create positive change, sharing their success with their professional network and the community around them,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Lehigh Valley Business. “The Circle of Excellence honorees are trailblazers and change makers who know the value of helping other women see something special in themselves, something they might not have known was there. 

This year’s Awards Celebration where the recipients will be honored will be May 14 at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way in Bethlehem. 

The honorees will be profiled in a special magazine that will be inserted into the May 19 issue of Lehigh Valley Business and will be available online at LVB.com.

About Lehigh Valley Business
Lehigh Valley Business is a multimedia news source with 38 years of journalistic excellence that breaks news daily on its website, LVB.com. It also publishes a print and online edition. In addition, Lehigh Valley Business publishes special focus sections and products throughout the year including the yearly Book of Lists. It also hosts eight annual events, including Women of Influence, Icon Honors and Forty Under 40, to recognize excellence and provide leadership opportunities. Lehigh Valley Business facilitates thoughtful discussion with market leaders through its webinar series. Its Digital Marketing Solutions helps customers with social media, search engine marketing and optimization, retargeting, email marketing and more. Lehigh Valley Business and its sister publication, Central Penn Business Journal, are part of BridgeTower Media, the authoritative voice for insights and marketing solutions across 40+ brands in five key sectors across the United States.

David Hessen
Director of Marketing and Communications
Reading Area Community College
610.607.6212
dhessen@racc.edu