Reading, PA — Alvernia University and Reading Area Community College (RACC) are expanding their dual admission partnership to include full-tuition scholarships for qualified RACC graduates through a special Reading Collegiate Scholars Program, modeled after Alvernia’s highly successful program aimed at the city’s high school students. 

“Alvernia has benefitted from a longstanding relationship with RACC for decades as many of their students have successfully transferred to our university to complete four-year degrees,” said Alvernia President Tom Flynn. “We welcome this new opportunity to advance our relationship to the next level including building upon our Reading Collegiate Scholars Program.” 

Alvernia’s expanded Reading Collegiate Scholars Program will now include two full-tuition scholarships for qualified RACC graduates beginning fall 2019, increasing to four by fall 2020. In addition, scholarship support will be expanded for all RACC graduates who transfer to Alvernia and meet academic and service criteria.

“Community college students who transfer to four-year universities graduate at a rate well above the national average and way above traditional four-year students,” said RACC President Susan Looney. “We are especially excited about strengthening our partnership with Alvernia to provide even more opportunities for RACC students such as expanding access for RACC graduates to the Reading Collegiate Scholars program,” she added. 

The Reading Collegiate Scholars Program enrolls underserved but capable students from the City of Reading and provides support, incentives and financial aid designed to ensure students successfully complete a college education. Started in 2014, the first group has a 100% graduation rate. The program is supported primarily by private donors, local businesses and foundations, and university funding.