READING PA - The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC) is proud to honor the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, a remarkable group of community college students who have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated a commitment to their colleges and communities.

The 2024 awardees include two Reading Area Community College outstanding transfer scholars. Transfer students must have completed at least 36 credits at a community college and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher to be considered for these awards. Workforce students must have a minimum of 12 college-level credit hours at a community college and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

The two Reading Area Community College scholarship winners are Ms. Anisa Reinstrom and Ms.Yessenia Rivera.

Anisa Reinstrom is majoring in Business Administration Transfer and her career goal is to be in a management position. She is the Treasurer of our Phi Theta Kappa Chapter, involved with the Advantage Program and is a work study student in Career Services. Anisa is a volunteer with the Adopt-a-Block program both on campus and in her neighborhood. She is also on both the President’s and the Dean’s List. Anisa will be transferring to Kutztown University to complete her Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

Yessenia Rivera is majoring in Social Work and her career goal is to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work and facilitate Women’s Empowerment programs. Yessenia is the Vice President for our Phi Theta Kappa Chapter and involved with the Advantage Program. Yessenia spearheaded this year’s College Project, Educational Curiosity, a program in which RACC’s President, staff and PTK members shared their educational journeys with residents at Opportunity House in order to introduce them to the possibilities of continued education. She is also on both the President’s and the Dean’s List. Yessenia will be transferring to Kutztown University to complete her Bachelors of Social Work.

“We at Reading Area Community College applaud these outstanding student scholars on their terrific academic achievements,” says Dr. Susan D. Looney, president of Reading Area Community College. “By enrolling in high-quality educational programs, these students are building a foundation for a successful career while furthering their postsecondary study.”

Pennsylvania’s community colleges partner with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities to provide scholarships to eligible All-PA Transfer Team members at PASSHE institutions, providing two years of tuition at any PASSHE school.

Students nominated to the national All-USA Community College Academic Team are automatically named to the All-State Community College Academic Teams. The programs share common eligibility criteria, which includes enrollment at a community college, a minimum 3.5 grade point average, completion of a minimum of 36 college-level credits and being on track to receive an associate or bachelor’s degree.