About RACC

Reading Area Community College has been the Right Choice for Berks County for 37 years. Since its creation in 1971, the College has grown from 265 students to almost 4,500 today. RACC additionally serves thousands of people per year through the non-credit Community Education/Workforce Development division. The College grew from being housed in several facilities throughout Reading, to a central seven-building campus at Second and Penn Streets.

The mission of Reading Area Community College is to provide the first two years of a bachelor's degree, career education for immediate employment, courses to assist in the transition from high school to college, community education and public service activities and training for area business and industry. The College has grown, improved and transitioned through five presidents, but the mission remains the same.

As indicated in the mission, RACC provides a variety of services for a diverse group of people. Students from every age, race, religion and many different countries throughout the world choose to study here. Those who are seeking degrees at the college are attracted to programs like nursing, respiratory care, criminal justice and business. Other people pursue individual courses to brush up on a skill or interest, or pursue certification in a variety of subjects. The Community Education/Workforce Development division offers programs like dental assisting, home health aide, veterinary assisting, fire and EMS training and GED preparation.

The College plays an important part in the business community as well. The new Schmidt Training and Technology Center provides training in senior leadership, manufacturing technology, information technology, workplace readiness and workplace literacy. RACC also partners with other community organizations to enhance the economic vitality of the city and county.