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, Tuesday, April 12, 2021 – Reading Area Community College (RACC) President, Dr. Susan D. Looney and Susquehanna University President Jonathan D. Green, signed a transfer agreement that will offer guaranteed admission to Susquehanna University for RACC associate degree graduates to pursue their bachelor’s degree.

RACC students who submit a letter of intent to enter Susquehanna prior to completing 30 transferable credit hours will have the following benefits: guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program with third-year (junior) status at Susquehanna upon completion of their Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree; eligibility for an academic scholarship from Susquehanna of up to $31,000 per year based on their RACC grade point average at the time of application; and eligibility for an additional $5,000 scholarship from Susquehanna per year if students are members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

RACC students who do not sign a letter of intent will still be eligible for an academic scholarship of up to $31,000 per year based on their RACC grade point average.

“RACC is committed to creating partnerships that encourage students to complete their associate degree before transferring,” says Dr. Looney. “Our graduates are highly valued by our college and university partners, and we are excited that Susquehanna University has committed to a seamless transfer to their bachelor’s degree programs.”

“A college education continues to be a sound investment for any individual who is preparing for a prosperous future,” says President Green. “We look forward to ensuring a smooth transition for RACC graduates who come to Susquehanna to complete their bachelor’s degree in preparation for an even brighter future.”

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.

Susquehanna, a liberal arts university, focuses on intellectual development, global competence and career success. Susquehanna offers a nationally recognized study-abroad program and more than 100 majors and minors in business, humanities, arts and sciences. Students develop critical thinking, writing, teamwork and communication skills, which, combined with internships and research opportunities, prepare them for a lifetime of personal and professional success. Small classes enable faculty members to serve as mentors, as well as teachers. Ninety-six percent of Susquehanna students are employed or in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation.

Reading, PA – The Foundation for Reading Area Community College has received a generous $7,000 donation from First Priority Bank, a division of Mid Penn Bank. This contribution will support Reading Area Community College (RACC)’s Dual Enrollment/Pathway Programs. Under the RACC Dual Enrollment Program, current high school students can begin their post-secondary education and start earning college credits from multiple programs at the college. RACC has collaborated with seventeen area high schools to offer college credit for college-level courses students take at their high school. The courses taught at the high school must cover the same competencies as courses taught at RACC.

“With the average student debt around $30,000, we continue to offer solutions for our students to manage their college debt, save time, and better prepare them for the expectations of college-level course work. Even during these uncertain times, what is best for the students is at the center of everything we do,” says RACC President Dr. Susan D. Looney.

Mid Penn Bancorp Inc., headquartered in Millersburg, Pennsylvania, has been serving the community since 1868. Mid Penn has 39 retail locations in the state of Pennsylvania and total assets of more than $2 billion. Its footprint includes Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fayette, Lancaster, Luzerne, Montgomery, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Westmoreland counties. The bank offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services to meet the banking needs of the communities it serves. To learn more about Mid Penn Bank, visit www.midpennbank.com.

To learn more about the Dual Enrollment/Pathway Programs at RACC, call 610.607.5127. To learn more about giving opportunities with The Foundation for Reading Area Community College, call contact foundation@racc.edu or 610-607-6239.

Students and families can now sign-up now for Keystone Virtual College Exploration - the only virtual college and career event for all Pennsylvania high school students.

RACC is proud to be presenting on October 6 and 27.

There are more than 300 sessions from which to choose including local, national, and international colleges and universities; skilled trades, career exploration, financial aid and scholarship organizations and non-college training programs. Attend as many sessions as you want. 

How does it work?

Attend FREE 45 minute virtual sessions on a variety of college and career topics via individual Zoom links. Session options include individual college, career and trade information sessions as well as panel sessions composed of multiple organizations. 

Who is invited?

• High school students
• Families and counselors

Virtual sessions take place October 1 – November 6 with times varying, mostly weekdays, afternoon/evening, and select Sundays.

All sessions secure--your information will only be shared with the college/organization for which you register.

What is covered?

Sessions cover topics such as how to apply to college, essay writing tips, high demand career fields, skilled trades, non-college options, financial aid, scholarships, college student life, and more. Watch, learn, and get your questions answered about academics, athletics, diversity, study abroad, and other topics.

Register for EVERY session of interest and you will receive a ZOOM link to the session. Then log in to your session using your phone or computer. Can’t make the live session? No problem--go ahead and register for the session and then view the session recording at your convenience.

Parents are invited too. Simply register with your student’s information. 

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, ask questions, and discover your best college and career fit and how to finance it.

Reading, PA-August 7, 2020 – Reading Area Community College has been awarded a $252,000 grant from the Early Childhood Professional Development Organization at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education for this academic year. The funds will cover tuition costs for Early Childhood Education students who are employed in Department of Human Services-licensed childcare centers and meet the eligibility requirements.

RACC’s Early Childhood Education pathway allows traditional students, high school career technology students, and incumbent workforce students the opportunity to begin to work incrementally along the PA ECE Career Pathway. This pathway, a model for the state, has been designed to support the educational needs of all students who desire to work with young children, starting as early as high school through the Career Technology Center’s Teacher Academy and earn nested credentials, such as the Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA). RACC’s AAS then transfers seamlessly to a BSED (Pre-k-Grade 4 teaching certification) at Kutztown University (KU).

For more information about enrolling in Early Childhood Education Pathway, contact the Early Childhood office 610-372-4721 x5263 for the ECE Scholar application.