Congratulations to Jamal Dancy. The first graduate spotlight of our RACC 2022 graduate success series!

Jamal Dancy is a criminal justice major and a first-generation college student. As a freshman at RACC, Jamal quickly became a well-known face around campus. As a Student Ambassador, vice-president of the Student Government Association, and treasurer of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, he immersed himself in student activities, while still developing leadership qualities through RACC’s National Society of Leadership and Success.

This fall, Jamal will be attending Alvernia University on a full scholarship to complete his bachelor’s degree. Upon graduating, he plans to work as a juvenile probation officer with inner city youth to guide them toward a better path in life. Ultimately, he wishes to further advance his education in law school-becoming a judge in juvenile court.

RACC Legacy Publication Wins National Acclaim

Reading, PA, May 18, 2022 – The Columbia Scholastic Press Association has recognized Legacy 2021 as a Gold Medalist publication and awarded "All Colombian Honors" for all sections (Essentials, Verbal, and Visual). In addition, three Legacy contributors have won "Gold Circle Awards" from the association.

• Austin Graczyk, First Place in Experimental Fiction for "Cage Match."
• William Allen, First Place in Essays for "Jenever."
• Robert Bara-Popa, First Place in Photography, Single Artistic Photograph, for "Taken by the Wind."
• Robert Bara-Popa, Second Place in Photography, Portfolio of Work.

 Legacy 2021 has also won "First Place for Best Magazine" among small colleges from the Eastern Division of the Community College Humanities Association. On top of the first-place award, four students have been recognized for their exceptional work:

• Alex Lupold, First Place in Essay for "Looking Deeper: The Meaning of Godzilla."
• Nicholas Fulwood, Second Place in Poetry for "The Art of Gift Giving."
• Robert Bara-Popa, First Place in Photography for "Taken by the Wind."
• Allyson Finney, Third Place in Photography for "At the Gates."

Legacy is an award-winning journal produced by students of Reading Area Community College. Legacy's goal is to serve as our school's creative outlet and provide a showcase for the excellence achieved by our students. Through prose, poetry, artwork, and photography, Legacy reflects the diversity and richness within RACC's campus. As it is entirely student run, Legacy also provides an excellent opportunity for students who choose to serve on its team to gain hands-on publishing experience.

Reading, PA, May 9, 2022 – Mya Kochel is a senior at Daniel Boone High School, with her sights set on a career in law. At her current pace, she will be almost two years ahead of the rest of her class in her pursuit of completing college and graduating law school.

Beginning her freshman year, Mya began taking general studies courses through Reading Area Community College (RACC)'s dual enrollment program; and through RACC's online programs. At the high school, she took college-level biology, chemistry, US history, European history, literature, calculus, and statistics, among others. Included in her RACC online classes were computer, speech, and health sciences.

"While it seemed very intimidating at first, the professors and staff at RACC were very encouraging and supportive." RACC's Assistant Director of Early College Programs, Ms. Kristen Marcinko guided Mya through the process to ensure all the classes counted towards her RACC degree and transferability was at the forefront. "I give a lot of credit to Ms. Marcinko for helping me select the right courses and motivating me to excel when things got busy," she adds.

Things did get very busy. In addition to her high school and college classes, Mya was the president of Student Government, member of the National Honor Society, member of the Music Honors Society, member of the Community Service Club, was in the jazz band and choir; and played on the tennis and basketball teams.

"I really also have to thank my parents for their support through the years. They have always been there for me when I felt things were a little overwhelming," says Mya.

After graduating from RACC on May 6, and her graduation from Daniel Boone in June, Mya plans to attend West Virginia University, as a junior, to begin her law studies. "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 law."

Taking dual enrollment, earning an associate degree, and transferring seamlessly through articulation is the new affordable pathway to a bachelor's degree, says RACC Assistant Director of Early College Programs, Kristen Marcinko.

To learn more about the early college program at RACC, contact Marcinko at kmarcinko@racc.edu or 610.372.4721 x5127.

Reading, PA, May 2, 2022– Kelly Hartman is a junior at Wilson High School with a passion for a career in the health professions. In fact, she could not wait until she graduated from high school to take the next steps toward achieving her dream of becoming a doctor of nursing in either psychology or pediatrics. Kelly will graduate from Reading Area Community College (RACC) this week with an associate degree in psychology.

"I love to learn, and I love being busy and constructive. The early college program at RACC was perfect for me," she says.
Kelly began taking dual enrollment and early admissions courses her sophomore year at Wilson High School. Dual enrollment is taking a college course in the high school; early admissions is taking a college course on a college campus or online. Both are excellent ways to earn college credit while still in high school. She attended high school class during the day, and then completed her college credits online during nights and weekends. Her college-level courses at Wilson High School included Spanish, Literature, Precalculus and Art.

Kelly credits her mother, Miranda, who works in health professions as a registered nurse, as her inspiration, and the motivational source in her life. "I can't thank my mom enough for keeping me inspired, organized, and focused on my work," she says.

Kelly is also quick to acknowledge the Reading Area Community College staff and faculty for helping her through her debt-free, accelerated college pathway. "I was intimidated by the thought of attending college as a high school sophomore. I can also be a procrastinator," she laughed, "but the people at RACC, in particular, Carol Bean-Ritter (a professor in the Psychology department), made me feel comfortable, gave me confidence, and also helped me overcome my procrastination habits."

While jointly attaining a college associate degree while still in high school would seem like an overwhelming workload, Kelly also found time for activities outside of academics. She is the president of the Medical Leaders of Tomorrow Club, serves on the prom committee, is a member of the Wilson High School Link Crew, and works at part time at both American Eagle and Plato's Closet.

"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 healthcare."

Taking dual enrollment, earning an associate degree, and transferring seamlessly through articulation is the new affordable pathway to a bachelor's degree, says RACC Assistant Director of Early College Programs, Kristen Marcinko.
To learn more about the early college program at RACC, contact Marcinko at kmarcinko@racc.edu or 610.372.4721 x5127.

Reading, PA – The Foundation for RACC, Truist and Boscov’s hosted an “I am Career Ready” shopping event for 2022 Reading Area Community College graduates on Monday, April 11 at the Boscov's Exeter store.

The event was made possible by a $15,000 grant from the Truist Foundation; with Boscov’s adding an additional 10% toward the purchase of professional attire for RACC 2022 graduates entering the workforce.

“Truist is proud to partner with Reading Area Community College and Boscov’s in helping their students prepare for the next step in life. Our company’s purpose is to ‘Inspire and build better lives and communities’ and this event certainly gave us the opportunity to help fulfill that purpose here in Berks County. Thanks to RACC and Boscov’s for this opportunity and we wish the students all the best in the future!” says Truist Market President David Roland.

Boscov's employees helped students select clothing for an upcoming internship or new career at no cost to the graduates. Most graduates received up to $250 worth of clothing and accessories. 

“We’re delighted to partner with Reading Area Community College and help launch the careers of so many outstanding students.  We thank Truist for the investment they have made in the graduates and in our community. We are pleased and excited to help outfit these hard working students as they enter the workforce,” says CEO of Boscov’s Department Stores, Jim Boscov.

Additionally, Truist Bank representatives were on site to share money management tips with the graduates. 

“This is a wonderful collaboration between three leading Berks County organizations. Last fall, Dave Roland and I were exploring ways to best maximize the benefits of this grant, and after discussing with Jim Boscov, the “I am Career Ready” shopping event was born. As RACC graduates, they have the training to be successful in the workplace, and thanks to this grant, they will now have the professional attire to complement their skills,” says Foundation for RACC Executive Director Tony DeMarco.

To learn more about the Foundation for RACC, please contact foundation@racc.edu or 610-607-6239.