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, Wednesday, May 12, 2021 – Tompkins VIST Bank today announced that it has donated $5,000 to the Foundation at Reading Area Community College under the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.  The donation is part of the $301,250 the bank has currently earmarked for youth education organizations that qualify under EITC.

Tompkins VIST Bank President and CEO Scott Gruber and Executive Vice President Gary Moyer were present at check ceremony. “In my work with RACC, I’ve been impressed with their focus on educational outreach,” said Moyer, vice chair of the foundation, which provides scholarships to disadvantaged youth in the community. “We’re pleased to support their efforts.”

Dr. Susan Looney, president of RACC commended the value of EITC. “The EITC program is a great way to inspire high school students to continue their education or enter the workforce after high school,” she said.

Reading Area Community College is an accredited, comprehensive, open enrollment education institution that provides the following: Associate degree, Certificate and Diploma Programs; career-focused training; transitional coursework; skills training for business and industry; personal enrichment programs and public service activities. Sponsored by Berks County, the College provides affordable access to meet identified community educational needs.

Tompkins VIST Bank, a subsidiary of Tompkins Financial Corporation, is a locally headquartered community bank with 19 branches serving southeastern Pennsylvania.  The bank offers personalized service, local decision-making and a broad range of services for consumers and businesses. These include cash management, commercial loans, and an online business loan application process. Insurance and wealth management services are provided through the Pennsylvania offices of Tompkins Insurance and Tompkins Financial Advisors. Whether you prefer branch or remote mobile banking, we provide the breadth of services and local decision-making to make what’s possible a reality. Locally Focused. A World of Possibilities. More information.

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, Friday, May 7, 2021 – Reading Area Community College celebrated its 49th Commencement on Friday, May 7 at Santander Arena. Approximately 800 students graduated from their degree, certificate or diploma programs this year.

Carolína Hidalgo-Ahmed was this year’s student speaker. She was born in San Francisco de Macorís, República Dominicana. At the age of four, she immigrated to the United States with her mother to join her father, who had immigrated to the US a few years earlier. She grew up in the boroughs of New York City, first on the Lower East Side and later Washington Heights, a community known for its rich Dominican diaspora culture. She will continue her education at Millersville University to earn her Bachelor in Social Work (BSW). Carolina is currently working on starting a non-profit organization, PÉCAN The HONE Initiative, which focuses on hands-on nutrition education for children who qualify for free or reduced lunch in Berks County.

RACC President, Dr. Susan D. Looney presented this year’s President’s Award to Berks County entrepreneur, business mogul and philanthropist Rolf Schmidt. Schmidt immigrated to the United States in 1957. His subsequent years in America were filled with business and personal success, which extended beyond the conventional boundaries of those measured by the typical American dream. Rolf’s commitment to educational excellence culminated in the establishment of the Schmidt Training and Technology Center. The center was named in his honor and opened in the spring of 2006. Rolf has been a leader of the Board of the Foundation for Reading Area Community College for thirty years. Rolf’s service to the Foundation started in 1991 and Rolf’s remarkable philanthropy to RACC is only part of his importance as one of the greatest figures in the history of the college.

“This year, especially, it is a privilege and a joy to see so many graduates persevere and take this step toward great success in the years ahead. Our students and graduates continue to inspire me every day, and will continue to make the RACC family of faculty, staff, students and alumni very proud,” Looney stated.

Reading, PA, Monday, May 10, 2021 – Reading Area Community College (RACC) has been awarded $300,000 from the NEAG Foundation to support nursing student scholarships.

Over the next two years, the award will be used to fund scholarships to students enrolled in the nursing (RN) and practical nursing (LPN) programs in the most impactful way possible.

“Ray and Carole Neag are among the most significant leaders in the history of Reading Area Community College. This remarkable gift from the Neag Foundation continues that incredible legacy,” says Anthony DeMarco, executive director of the Foundation for RACC. “Carole Neag has always been a passionate advocate for nurses, having personally served for years as an emergency and maternity nurse during her career. This grant will allow dozens of those students who aspire to a career in nursing to achieve their academic dreams.”

Susan Looney, president of Reading Area Community College, states, “This award will immediately benefit our nursing students who are highly prepared and ready to enter the regional healthcare workforce.”

Nursing continues to be the largest profession in healthcare, with RACC educating students with clinical training at regional affiliates such as Reading Hospital Systems, Penn State Heath St. Joseph, Berks Heim Nursing and Rehabilitation, Laurel Center Genesis HealthCare and Phoebe Berks Healthcare Center.

The NEAG Foundation supports education, healthcare, and the arts through Ray and Carol Neag’s visionary philanthropy. Reading Among their many educational and charitable donations, they are well-known in Berks County for their contributions to the Caron in South Heidelberg Township, the Neag Planetarium in Reading, and the Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center.

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.