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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) successfully funded 14 Community Project Funding priorities, totaling $11,726,065, through the House Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations’ package was signed into law last weekend by President Biden. The purpose of Community Project Funding is to enable Members of Congress to allocate available federal funds to worthy, local projects in a timely manner.

While each congressional office processes Community Project Funding requests differently, all Members are required to publicly disclose their selections and sign letters certifying they have no personal financial interest in the projects. To ensure transparency for and accountability to her constituents, Houlahan goes above and beyond House guidelines by utilizing a nonpartisan board of community leaders to review applications and to make recommendations regarding project selection. Recently, Houlahan hosted a webinar for organizations interested in applying for future Community Project Funding grants. Watch the webinar here.

"I am elated that we secured over $11.7 million to fund 14 community-focused projects in our district. From Reading to Berwyn and everywhere in between, our community will benefit from stronger infrastructure, enhanced workforce opportunities, modernized resources for first responders, and more," said Houlahan. "With the help of our board of nonpartisan local leaders, we were able to advocate for projects that will positively impact our community and the region at large. I look forward to seeing these projects make a real, tangible difference in the lives of residents in Berks and Chester Counties."

In alphabetical order, Houlahan secured the following funding on behalf of local organizations:

1. $3,000,000 for Albright College, Innovation Corridor Life Science-Based Incubator – Camp Building Renovation Phase 1
"We are truly grateful that our community leaders are committed to the transformation of the City of Reading and the Albright College campus," said Jacquelyn S. Fetrow, Ph.D., president and professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Albright College. "With the transformation of the Camp Building, a historic factory now under the college's stewardship, we are bringing to life a vital component currently missing in Berks County: a biological, pharmaceutical and life science-based entrepreneurial and multi-purpose community incubator that will utilize the Total Experience Learning methodology to empower students and community entrepreneurs. The Albright College incubator, to be located in the 'Innovation Corridor' of Northeast Reading will serve to nurture emerging intellectual property and entrepreneurs of all ages. By fostering this entrepreneurial and multi-purpose community life science incubator, we are committed to supporting the inventors and innovators of today and tomorrow, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and solutions."
 

2. $977,573 for Ann’s Heart, Purchase of Campus – Nonprofit Hub
“The Volunteers, Board of Directors and Staff of Ann’s Heart extend their deepest gratitude to Representative Houlahan and Senator Casey for their sponsorship and unwavering support of Ann’s Heart and for securing Community Project Funding. This vital funding will not only secure a permanent home for Ann’s Heart but also for multiple other nonprofits dedicated to serving parts of Chester and Montgomery Counties,” stated Kristen McGee, Executive Director of Ann’s Heart. “With this invaluable support, Ann’s Heart has been able to secure the purchase of the campus we have diligently worked to restore. This ensures the establishment and enduring presence of a non-profit hub dedicated to delivering critical human services in our region. Through this welcoming space, we are committed to continuing our fight against housing and food insecurity, supporting mental and behavioral health, and combating the isolation of our most vulnerable community members.”

3. $500,000 for Berwyn Fire Company, EMS Station
“The Berwyn Fire Company is humbled to be awarded a $500,000 grant to assist in the construction of a new fire/EMS station that will serve the citizens, visitors and businesses of Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships. This new state of the art facility will replace an aging structure that dates back to 1929. Our volunteers and career staff look forward to working in a safe and reliable environment,” said Eamon C. Brazunas, Deputy Chief of Berwyn Fire Company.

4. $1,035,000 for Reading Area Community College, Capital Improvements and Repairs - Workforce Development
"Reading Area Community College is honored and grateful to be a recipient of this much needed funding from Congresswoman Houlahan's office,” said RACC President Dr. Susan Looney. “We will be allocating the funds to enhance the Schmidt Training and Technology Center and Kratz Hall. Improvements to these facilities will further strengthen our workforce training; continuing our commitment to building a strong Berks County workforce.”

5. $959,752 for City of Coatesville, Ash Park Master Plan Implementation - Phase 2
"We are extremely thrilled to have received this for both phase 1 and 2 of the project. This money means we're receiving money so that we can move forward and have a reliable source of funding to design the project the way that it was intended. It is a huge win for the community, and I can't express how much this will mean. I deeply appreciate the support," said James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. 

6. $550,000 for East Fallowfield Township Police Department, Municipal complex construction
“This funding will move us closer to having a more secure police station that will provide a welcoming environment to the public and better equip our law enforcement to serve and protect our community,” said Scott Swichar, Township Manager of East Fallowfield. “We appreciate Representative Houlahan’s unwavering support and strong commitment to public safety in the community.”

7. $657,000 for FarmerJawn and Friends Foundation Fund, the FarmerJawn Barn Revitalization
"We are incredibly grateful to Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her unwavering support and successful advocacy in securing a federal grant of $657,000 for FarmerJawn. This generous funding will enable us to renovate our aging barn and incorporate hydroponic facilities, allowing us to expand our mission of teaching essential agricultural skills and entrepreneurship qualities to the Chester County community. With this investment, FarmerJawn will continue to thrive as a vital contributor to the local agricultural landscape, offering innovative, sustainable solutions and opportunities for continued growth,” said Brandon Ritter, COO of FarmerJawn.

8. $500,000 for Helping Harvest, Community Kitchen
“Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank is so grateful to Representative Houlahan for her support and her work securing this funding,” said Jay Worrall, Helping Harvest President. “The Helping Harvest Community Kitchen will provide heat-and-eat ready meals to low-income seniors and families throughout Berks County while providing Culinary Arts skill training to residents.  The kitchen is currently under construction, and we will be cooking by year’s end!  Thank you for helping us provide healthy, nutritious food to people in need in our community.”

9. $959,752 for Kennett Square Wastewater Treatment Plant, UV Disinfection
Mayor Matthew Fetick and Borough Council President Bob Norris jointly stated, “The Borough is grateful to our elected officials for supporting this important upgrade to our sewer infrastructure.  This funding is a vital investment and addresses a major need for the Borough’s future growth and development.  Upgrading our sewer system will not only benefit Borough residents but our neighbors in Kennett Township and New Garden.”

10. $117,000 for Phoenixville Police Department, Law Enforcement 21st Century Policing Initiative
“The Borough of Phoenixville is experiencing tremendous growth in new housing and the town’s population is on the rise. A year-round calendar of cultural events attracts countless visitors to our thriving downtown business district. Representative Chrissy Houlahan is a frequent visitor to Phoenixville and she understands the challenges associated with policing our growing community,” said Chief of Police Brian Marshall. “On behalf of the men and women of the Phoenixville Police Department, we are honored and grateful to be the recipient of the PA-06 Community Funding Project grant for equipment upgrades!  The police department will be allocating the awarded funds for the purchase of six (6) new body-worn cameras and server, a TruNarc handheld rapid drug identification device, and a portable safety camera to be used at our numerous events. The Phoenixville Police Department values Representative Houlahan’s advocacy for and involvement in our community and we will use this grant funding to make the Borough of Phoenixville safer for everyone.”

11. $1,925,000 for Reading's Oakbrook Homes Center For Early Education
"This vital federal grant will enable us to repurpose two existing buildings into a Neighborhood Services Center and Family Services Complex, allowing us to expand access to crucial services for those facing economic and food insecurity in our community. With this support, Oakbrook Homes will continue to be a beacon of hope and assistance for families in need, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all. We extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her tireless efforts in securing $1,925,000 for this project,” said Modesto Fiume, president of Opportunity House.

12. $117,000 for Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, Body Worn Camera and Taser Project
“The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department is extremely grateful for the support and funding we received from Representative Houlahan and her staff. Not only were they helpful with the grant application process, they saw immediate value in our initiative to receive funds that will ultimately improve upon transparency and accountability while executing our department’s mission to protect human life, our first and most sacred core value. The funds received will cover the majority of the purchase of AXON’s leading technology Body Worn Cameras, which are used to record all interactions we have with the public and furthermore are submitted as evidence and shared with the District Attorney’s Office for the purpose of evidence in prosecutions. The funding will also allow us to purchase the newest version of the Taser by AXON which offers a less-lethal option in situations where an intermediate weapon can preserve human life. These devices are expensive and often can not be purchased out of the allotted police department budget, so this grant funding will have a huge impact on our ability to function as a high-level, premier law enforcement agency,” said Joseph Greenwalt, Chief of Police.

13. $112,500 for The Garage Community and Youth Center, Rain Garden and Green Roof Chester County PA
"The Garage Community & Youth Center (The Garage) is honored and thrilled to be a recipient of Community Project Funding from Congresswoman Houlahan's office,” said Kristin Proto, Executive Director. “The Garage serves as a liaison between the community and our families, promoting the equity and inclusion of an underserved and marginalized population. With this essential Community Project Funding support, The Garage will continue to renovate our Avondale facility with improved stormwater management through a rain garden and  green roof as well as environmental educational opportunities that come with an outdoor classroom space. Our organization has been providing support through after-school programming for over twenty years, and with the help of the community, friends, and partners like the Sixth Congressional District, we look forward to another twenty years!"

We are thrilled to announce that Reading Area Community College just received the Bellwether Award in the category of Instructional Programs and Services. Our project was titled Nurturing Growth in the Teacher Pipeline.
 
The Bellwether Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the nation for community colleges. The competition and selection bring a level of excellence that demonstrates the innovate spirit and results-driven mindset that exist among the finest community colleges.
 
A big congratulations to Dean, Dr. Robin Eckert, Professor, Nancy Jackson, Early Childhood Education Peer Mentor, Gabrielia Padilla. We would also like to thank Cindy Seaman, Kevin Coots, David Sweeley, Dave Hessen, Rhonda Hudak, Yvonne Hall, Kathy Steingraber, and Jen Lindsay for all their work that made us shine in San Antonio. #RACCPROUD

Reading, PA – Reading Area Community College and Arizona State University have recently announced a Universal Articulation agreement. This partnership reaffirms the commitment of both institutions to supporting academic preparedness and growing an ecosystem of transfer student success. Through this collaboration, students can expect a seamless transition to the university and receive the support essential for student success.

The Reading Area Community College MyPath2ASU® transfer experience is available to both students and the staff that supports them. Students can benefit from end-to-end learner navigation through course-by-course guided pathways, assistance in selecting courses that apply to their associate and ASU bachelor’s degree, guaranteed general admission to ASU, and admission into MyPath2ASU major choice if all requirements are met. Students can also track their degree progress to minimize loss of credit and receive personalized ASU communications to prepare academically and build a connection to ASU.

About Reading Area Community College
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.

About the MyPath2ASU Program
The MyPath2ASU program offers over 400 guided pathways into ASU on-campus, online and local undergraduate degree programs, including Business Administration, BA. This degree prepares graduates for various roles in a modern economy by teaching leadership, finances, forecasting demand and more. The program’s emphasis on general management skills means graduates can start their career in a variety of industries. Graduates can consider roles in supply chain or operations management, regulatory affairs, transportation management or any other public sector role. This diverse curriculum equips graduates to pursue many relevant opportunities along their career path.

In conclusion, the Universal Articulation agreement between Reading Area Community College and ASU aims to support student success through academic alignment, term-to-term persistence and transfer outcome strategies. With over 350 ASU undergraduate degree programs to choose from, students can tailor their education to their needs and interests while receiving the support they need to succeed.

Alan M Patke grew up in Reading, PA and graduated from Muhlenberg High school. Alan saw Reading Area Community College as a staple in the community in which he was raised, and this gave him the courage to enroll in the college. He started at RACC in the Computer Science program and graduated with an Associate Degree in General Studies. While at RACC, Alan credits the Information Technology faculty for their support. "Marty Kelly was instrumental in providing me with the opportunity to learn and grow."
 
After graduating from RACC, Alan joined the Navy. During his service, he was injured, leading to an honorable discharge. The discharge led him in the direction toward realizing one of his life goals; helping military veterans and active duty military use the benefits they were given to develop strong financial plans to accomplish their goals.
 
"RACC gave me an opportunity to start schooling and earn money in the work study program when I was 18 and on my own. This connection to work and education has stayed with me ever since. I know I must always be striving to learn more about the work I do and the people I help. I was ultimately able to find a connection with helping others and giving back as a financial adviser."
 
After working in real estate for five years, Alan discovered he also loved to help families and young business professionals achieve their goals. By starting his own financial planning firm with Northwestern Mutual, he found his life’s work as a financial planner. This afforded him an opportunity to give back to his community and become a valuable resource to young professionals.
 
"RACC's core values exist in the hallways, classrooms and professors. I will always recommend RACC to anyone that is looking to find their path because at RACC there are people there that will guide you."