Page Two
RACC Contributes to $1 Billion in Economic Impact
In spring 2006, the Higher Education Council of Berks County (HECBC) participated in a study to measure the economic impact of the five colleges located in Berks County: Alvernia College,
Albright College, Kutztown University, Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus (Penn State Berks) and Reading Area Community College (RACC). The five colleges in Berks County contribute greatly to the Berks County economy. Over 21,000 students enroll in Berks County colleges supported by over 2,600 full-time employees. Another 128,000 patrons visit the Berks County college campuses and venues. Estimated spending of students and visitors exceed $179 million. Students who live on campus or in nearby off-campus apartments generate rental property revenues approximated between $10 million and $16 million. Students provide $500,000 to $1,500,000 additional resources in their service to the community.
Overall, this study estimates that the direct and indirect economic impacts to the local economy are $923 million conservatively with and an upper bound of over $1.2 billion. These economic impact estimates are comparable to the 2003 Pennsylvania State University Economic Impact Survey and the 2006 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Economic Impact Study. In short, this study reinforces the magnitude of the economic and financial contributions of the five colleges in Berks County. Download the full report here.
New Electric Utility Technology Program
Considering a career change? Trying to find a major that is right for you?
Do you want to earn $18-21 per hour?
FirstEnergy and RACC’s are cooperating on a new Electric Utility Technology Program that will provide students with background and the skills necessary to work as utility linemen.
Read the Fact Sheet 
PDF 230 KB
View the program
For more information contact:
Randy Blatt, EUT Program Coordinator
610-372-4721 ext 5273
John Maicher
John Maicher, a RACC student, underwent a liver transplant in March 2006. If you are interested in tracking John's progress, you can visit http://www3.caringbridge.org/pa/sportsfan/.
Fight
by John Maicher
We do not fight because we want to
We do not fight because we have to
We fight because we need to
We fight for honor and not for glory
We fight to say "I am" and not to say "Come and get me"
We fight for a place in this world
We fight for a place in someone's heart
We fight for the weak and the strong
We fight for a right to live
We fight to show bravery and courage
We fight for survival
And if you cannot fight to live
Why fight at all
Cause if you cannot fight....
You cannot live!