Reading, PA, May 22, 2021 – Despite challenges facing the academic communities during the past year, Reading Area Community College (RACC) and Reading High School have successfully continued their Reading College Knights program. Fourteen Reading High School seniors, including two RACC presidential scholars, completed the course remotely. Five of these students have committed to attend RACC after graduation.

The program allows college-ready Reading High seniors to take a three-credit college success strategies course through RACC. The course is designed to support student learning and academic success by addressing academic skills, career and academic planning as well as financial literacy. Emphasis is placed on the student’s academic and personal development in the college. This unique course, developed by RACC Foundational Studies Associate Professors Denise Strohmayr and Teri Floyd-Brumm, recently won the 2019 League for Innovation in the Community College Innovation of the Year Award.

Now in its third year, the Reading School District supports seniors who are academically ready for college courses an opportunity to take RACC courses in the spring of their senior year. The overall success rates of these students demonstrate the commitment faculty and staff at both institutions to smoothly transition high school students to college.

A recent graduate of the program says, “The things I learned in the College Knights Program have been tremendous in helping me better remember lectures, understand text and organize my train of thought. I have practiced active listening in personal situations as well. All of this has reduced my stress level and the results have been extremely positive in my life.”

“Our colleagues at the Reading School District believe in the same things we at RACC believe in – being an anchor institution that provides opportunity and hope for our students and for this community. Through the College Knights Program, we hope students gain the college experience they will remember throughout their college career,” says RACC President, Dr. Susan Looney.

To learn more about the College Knights Program, contact Kristen Marcinko, assistant director of community and academic partnerships, at 610.372.4721 ext. 5127.

Reading, PA, May 22, 2021 – William “Kit” Jackson, a senior at Oley Valley High School, graduated from Reading Area Community College (RACC) with an Associate of Science Transfer Degree on May 7, days before he will also graduate from high school. Kit combined RACC dual enrollment classes he took during his sophomore, junior and senior years at Oley Valley High School with RACC’s campus and online courses to complete the 63-credit degree this May. Kit plans to attend Bucknell University this fall to major in computer science.

While jointly attaining a high school diploma and a college associate degree would seem like an overwhelming workload, Kit also found time for activities outside of academics. He is in the school marching and jazz bands, has a part time job at a local horse farm and stables; and recently placed third in the TSA (Technology Student Association) statewide Computer Science and Information Technology Competition.

“The dual enrollment program at RACC has been a great way for me to get a head start on my four year college degree, and also get me closer to a career in cybersecurity. Balancing the academic requirements of my diploma and associate degree, as well as my activities outside of school has really helped me develop the time management skills I will need at Bucknell and in my career,” says Jackson. 

RACC dual enrollment students concurrently complete their requirements for high school graduation at the same time they earn college credit. Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and/or recommendation from their high school teacher and guidance counselor are eligible for dual enrollment courses. 

To learn more about the dual enrollment program at RACC, contact Kristen Marcinko, assistant director of community and academic partnerships, at 610.372.4721 ext. 5127.

Reading, PA, May 10, 2021 – The need for cybersecurity professionals has increased dramatically as computers and mobile devices have become essential in our personal and professional lives. Dr. Susan D. Looney, president of Reading Area Community College (RACC) and the RACC administration recognized the need to establish a Cybersecurity Program, which has quickly become very popular for students with technical skills and an intuitive understanding of computer systems. 

RACC Cybersecurity faculty member, Michael Hoehl, noticed a trend among the students who had completed the ten course Cybersecurity Program. Some students needed financial assistance with costs to obtain the official certification. Hoehl also happens to be the director of Cybersecurity at Carpenter Technology. Hoehl connected with Linda Bell, associate dean of the Business Division and Tony DeMarco, executive director of the Foundation for Reading Area Community College. Michael’s concept was to appeal to Carpenter Technology’s leadership team for a gift to cover the testing costs for the students who completed RACC’s Cybersecurity curriculum. 

The Carpenter Technology Cybersecurity Program has awarded 14 students the funding to cover the costs of their official certification test. Linda Bell has also arranged for each of these students to have access to a test preparation workshop in advance of the rigorous test as part of the Carpenter Technology award. 

“We have cleared certain monetary obstacles for these talented individuals to achieve certification and find the career of their dreams in the many cybersecurity opportunities that are available in the industry,” says Hoehl. 

“One needs to simply read the news to realize the vulnerability that exists,” says Dr. Looney. “We know regionally as well as nationally, there is a need for qualified cybersecurity professionals. Our program provides a comprehensive cybersecurity education, preparing graduates for advanced technical and management positions in cybersecurity, she continues. We are grateful to Carpenter Technology for their generous contributions that provide direct assistance for these students and for recognizing the importance of developing the next generation of professionals in this critical field.”

To learn more about the Cybersecurity Program at Reading Area Community College, contact Linda Bell at 610.607.5168.

Reading, PA, Tuesday, April 12, 2021 – Reading Area Community College (RACC) President, Dr. Susan D. Looney and Susquehanna University President Jonathan D. Green, signed a transfer agreement that will offer guaranteed admission to Susquehanna University for RACC associate degree graduates to pursue their bachelor’s degree.

RACC students who submit a letter of intent to enter Susquehanna prior to completing 30 transferable credit hours will have the following benefits: guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program with third-year (junior) status at Susquehanna upon completion of their Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree; eligibility for an academic scholarship from Susquehanna of up to $31,000 per year based on their RACC grade point average at the time of application; and eligibility for an additional $5,000 scholarship from Susquehanna per year if students are members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

RACC students who do not sign a letter of intent will still be eligible for an academic scholarship of up to $31,000 per year based on their RACC grade point average.

“RACC is committed to creating partnerships that encourage students to complete their associate degree before transferring,” says Dr. Looney. “Our graduates are highly valued by our college and university partners, and we are excited that Susquehanna University has committed to a seamless transfer to their bachelor’s degree programs.”

“A college education continues to be a sound investment for any individual who is preparing for a prosperous future,” says President Green. “We look forward to ensuring a smooth transition for RACC graduates who come to Susquehanna to complete their bachelor’s degree in preparation for an even brighter future.”

Reading Area Community College is an accredited, comprehensive, open-enrollment education institution that provides associate degree and certificate programs with ten programs offered fully online; workforce and career-focused training; transitional coursework; personal enrichment programs and public service activities. Sponsored by Berks County, the College provides affordable access to meet identified community educational needs.

Susquehanna, a liberal arts university, focuses on intellectual development, global competence and career success. Susquehanna offers a nationally recognized study-abroad program and more than 100 majors and minors in business, humanities, arts and sciences. Students develop critical thinking, writing, teamwork and communication skills, which, combined with internships and research opportunities, prepare them for a lifetime of personal and professional success. Small classes enable faculty members to serve as mentors, as well as teachers. Ninety-six percent of Susquehanna students are employed or in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation.

Reading, PA – The Foundation for Reading Area Community College has received a generous $7,000 donation from First Priority Bank, a division of Mid Penn Bank. This contribution will support Reading Area Community College (RACC)’s Dual Enrollment/Pathway Programs. Under the RACC Dual Enrollment Program, current high school students can begin their post-secondary education and start earning college credits from multiple programs at the college. RACC has collaborated with seventeen area high schools to offer college credit for college-level courses students take at their high school. The courses taught at the high school must cover the same competencies as courses taught at RACC.

“With the average student debt around $30,000, we continue to offer solutions for our students to manage their college debt, save time, and better prepare them for the expectations of college-level course work. Even during these uncertain times, what is best for the students is at the center of everything we do,” says RACC President Dr. Susan D. Looney.

Mid Penn Bancorp Inc., headquartered in Millersburg, Pennsylvania, has been serving the community since 1868. Mid Penn has 39 retail locations in the state of Pennsylvania and total assets of more than $2 billion. Its footprint includes Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fayette, Lancaster, Luzerne, Montgomery, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Westmoreland counties. The bank offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services to meet the banking needs of the communities it serves. To learn more about Mid Penn Bank, visit www.midpennbank.com.

To learn more about the Dual Enrollment/Pathway Programs at RACC, call 610.607.5127. To learn more about giving opportunities with The Foundation for Reading Area Community College, call contact foundation@racc.edu or 610-607-6239.