RACC Alive

®

A PUBLICATION OF READING AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

FREE Skills Training at RACC Earn up to $20/hr.

Faculty Voices

Meet RACC’s dedicated faculty

Career Ready Berks

Providing solid pathways to careers

Expanded Alvernia scholarships to RACC graduates

“Access, Opportunity, Excellence and Hope.”

Dr. Susan D. Looney shares her first six months as RACC president

racc.edu

Lead the

Pack after RACC NEW Two Full-Tuition Scholarships through The Reading Collegiate Scholars Program

• Transfer RACC credits easily • Apply for transfer scholarships including RCSP full-tuition award

ALVERN I A U N I V E R SI T Y 1.888.ALVERNIA (1.888.258.3764) alvernia.edu

® President: Dr. Susan D. Looney Editor: David Hessen Contributors: Jodi Crobett, Kathy Cunningham, Sarah Hess, Marjorie Kerbel, Michael Nagel, Kathryn Plesnarski, Michael Salute, Bonnie Spayd, Sarah Stapleton, Cathleen Stephen Design: Kathryn Plesnarski Photography: Susan Angstadt, Jeremy Drey, Kathryn Plesnarski RACC Alive is published quarterly by Reading Area Community College. All contents of this issue of RACC Alive are copyrighted by Reading Area Community College. All rights reserved.

Reading Area Community College does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status.

Cover photo: Front row (l-r): Stephanie Reyes, Melody Aldinger, Dr. Susan D. Looney, Chelsea Holcomb, Taylor Moyer Second row (l-r): Deannaliz Batista, Elizabeth Ramos, Isiah Perez, Richard Hernandez, Jessica Cordova

Reading Area Community College 10 South 2nd Street P.O. Box 1706 Reading, PA 19603 racc.edu

Cover Story This has been an incredibly exciting and satisfying six months for me as I have assumed the leadership of this extraordinary higher education institution.

It has been a time of reviewing and reinforcing the college’s partnerships with other educational institutions at all levels, including our high school and four-year transfer partners. These renewals and expansions have resulted from a series of “listening tours” where I have sought out educational colleagues and community leaders to better understand and appreciate both the current and future role RACC can play in providing an excellent education and workforce training in this community.

I have also met with internal groups at the college to evaluate our assets and define our strengths and opportunities; enabling a precise, strategic vision to drive a renewed commitment to student success and workforce and community development.

This renewed commitment is embodied in a new, fiveyear strategic plan supported by the college’s Board of Trustees which defines a blueprint for action. The plan identifies the approach the college will follow to aggressively meet the needs of our students and the community-at-large.

Ultimately, at the heart of this plan are the four hallmarks of my leadership philosophy: Access, Opportunity, Excellence and Hope.

We at Reading Area Community College continue to enable all individuals the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and goals through providing excellent educational programs and experiences, while instilling the hope that RACC will be their pathway to a stronger, successful future. This success will strengthen our community on many levels, and it will continue to define the college’s role as a pivotal asset within the City of Reading and Berks County.

Truly, this is an exciting time for me and the entire RACC community.

Dr. Susan D. Looney President, Reading Area Community College

Campus Happenings

Berks students do the math for annual championship Forty-eight high school students from 16 Berks County schools gathered at Reading Area Community College to take part in the 29th annual Berks County Interscholastic Mathematics Championship.

RACC celebrates its 2nd Annual STEM Day Reading Area Community College hosted almost 200 Berks County high school and middle school students, teachers and administrators for their second annual STEM Day on Friday, November 9th.

“We hope the students left the campus today believing that RACC is a great place to learn and earn their post-secondary STEM credentials,”

The competition, sponsored by the Higher Education Council of Berks County, pits threemember teams against one another, each working through a slew of problems in algebra, trigonometry, probability and limits. The questions, which take the form of both an individual

says Jodi Corbett, RACC director of academic partnerships. “Our STEM division positions RACC to help meet future workforce needs by integrating advanced science lab experiences, technology and healthcare programs,” she said.

To learn more about the STEM programs at RACC please call 610.607.6224.

and group written test, must be solved within a time limit and without a calculator.

Speaking to the students following the competition, RACC President Dr. Susan D. Looney, said the type of work they did represents building blocks they will use in the future.

“The problems you solved this morning using algebra, trigonometry and probability are the kinds of math needed in our advanced manufacturing labs and will serve you well in a number of majors such as criminal justice and business,” she said.

Campus Happenings

Wilson Middle School students learn about careers In December, more than 500 eighth-graders from Wilson West and Wilson Southern Middle School attended a career day at Reading Area Community College. Representatives from local businesses provided information on training for careers in science, business, technology, engineering and health care.

Socially Speaking

RACC’s student-run journal, Legacy XVII, won first place among small colleges from the Eastern Division of the Community College Humanities Association’s 2017 Literary Magazine Competition.

Follow RACC on our social media sites to stay informed about up-to-date happenings and events.

New RACC Raven Web Design Challenge Reading Holiday Parade

The College Knights Reading Fightin’ Phils

Schmidt Training & Technology Center BERKS COUNTY’S WORKFORCE RESOURCE!

Mechanical Lab Drives, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Pumps, Piping, Rigging, Troubleshooting

Electrical Lab AC/DC, Motors, Electronics, Sensors, Troubleshooting, Power Distribution

Robotics Lab Programming, Process Control, Communication, Simulation, Troubleshooting

PLC Lab Allen Bradley, Siemens, Process Control, Communication, Troubleshooting

AMIST Certifications 1-4

Machine Tool Lab

Advanced Manufacturing Integrated Systems Technology, Electrical, Controls, Robotics, Computer Technology, Troubleshooting

CNC Operation/Programming, Blueprint Reading, Design, Turning, Milling, Fixture Design

Mechatronics Engineering Technology AAS Associate of Applied Science Degree

Machine Tool Technology AAS Associate of Applied Science Degree

RACC’s training programs are self-paced, allowing students to complete the necessary theory online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All hands-on skills are taught at the Schmidt Training and Technology Center using industry relevant training equipment and components under the guidance of industry experienced instructors.

All courses have an open start date; what are you waiting for? To schedule a visit, contact Judy Vecchio at 610.372.4721, x5716 or jvecchio@racc.edu

Workforce Development

FREE

Skills Training to earn up to $20/hr Consider a Career in Manufacturing!

To meet the needs of one of the fastest growing business segments in Berks County, RACC and area manufacturers have partnered to offer a FREE Manufacturing Skills Building Program.

Students are gaining workplace and technical skills needed to be successful in a production environment, while area businesses are offering opportunities for interviews and possible direct hire positions after completion of the program. Financed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, this project is part of the Manufacturing PA initiative.

Complete this course and receive: • RACC Basic Manufacturing Skills Certificate • OSHA 10-HR Safety Certificate • CareerSafe® Interview Skills Training Certificate • WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate

For more information, contact Sarah Stapleton at 610.372.4721 x5312 or sstapleton@racc.edu

racc.edu/EZskills

Academic Achievements

RACC receives national honors for its Academic ESL Program

RACC and Lebanon Valley College sign Dual Admissions Agreement Dr. Susan D. Looney, RACC president states, “Establishing partnerships with our regional colleges and universities provides our associate degree graduates with affordable pathways to their bachelor’s degree close to their home and work.

Pennsylvania is rich with transfer opportunities for RACC students interested in highly specialized programs, such as Lebanon Valley College’s Actuary Science Degree, Music Business, and accelerated Accounting/MBA program.”

On October 11, 2018, the Academic ESL Program at Reading Area Community College received national recognition as one of the four finalists in the Associate category at the Celebración de Excelencia for evidence-based practices supporting the success of Latino and other students in its program.

Celebración de Excelencia is an annual recognition event that gives national prominence to the year’s Examples of Excelencia and finalists by bringing together educators and leaders with private, public, and philanthropic sector leadership.

Alvernia University expands Reading Collegiate Scholars Program to RACC graduates Alvernia University and Reading Area Community College are expanding their dual admission partnership to include full-tuition scholarships for qualified RACC graduates through a special Reading Collegiate Scholars

Program, modeled after Alvernia’s highly successful program aimed at the city’s high school students.

Alvernia’s expanded Reading Collegiate Scholars Program will now include two full-tuition

scholarships for qualified RACC graduates beginning fall 2019, increasing to four by fall 2020. In addition, scholarship support will be expanded for all RACC graduates who transfer to Alvernia and meet academic and service criteria.

Academic Achievements Reading Area Community College and Northampton Community College sign agreement for Health Profession Programs Reading Area Community College president Dr. Susan D. Looney and Northampton Community College president Dr. Mark H. Erickson sign a cooperative agreement which will provide affordable and accessible training for respiratory care therapists and medical laboratory technicians in Berks and Lehigh Counties.

RACC staff learns to break barriers through language

Career Ready Berks Alliance is a partnership between Berks County Intermediate Unit, K-12 public and

private schools, higher education, Berks County Workforce Development Board, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance and businesses. The mission of Career Ready Berks is to take a systematic approach to ensuring all students in Berks County have access to information, resources, experiences, and training about careers and career-ready skills and attributes so that these students can make informed decisions about their post-graduation

plans. Along with Dr. Susan D. Looney, RACC president, and Jodi Corbett, director of academic partnerships, RACC associate deans serve on advisory councils for the five major pathway clusters: Arts and Communication, Business Finance and Information Technology, Engineering and Industry Technology, Human Services, Science and Health.

RACC supports Career Ready Berks initiatives through campus outreach such as its annual STEM Day. RACC STEM faculty taught mini-lab activities to nearly 200 Berks County middle school and high school students in RACC’s state-of-the art STEM and manufacturing labs in an effort to build awareness about associate degree programs which train for careers working in Berks County top industries, health care and manufacturing.

A free Spanish course for faculty and staff was filled within minutes of its announcement.

The demographics of Reading have changed quite a bit over the past few decades, and with it the makeup of the student body at Reading Area Community College. So, college officials thought some of their staff might be interested in learning Spanish.

Boy, were they right. Within 20 minutes of announcing a free tenweek Spanish program, all 38 seats were filled.

The Career Ready Berks also provides students with the pathway leading to one of RACC’s Technical Academy programs held at Berks and Reading-Mulhenberg Career Technology Center. Students can earn up to 29 credits before graduating from high school in either Business, Computers, or Mechatronics. Mechatronics trains students in automation and robotics, skills needed for industrial mechanics in manufacturing facilities.

Faculty Voices Sporting Goods, Toys-R-Us, Ferrari, and many more.”

Website Development Program Coodinator and Assistant Professor, Brian Savage Brian dropped out of high school his senior year to pursue employment and later turned to RACC to obtain his GED. While working toward his Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, Brian admits that he was going through a challenging time in his life. “I literally lived out of my car for almost two years. Alone. No family. No anything.”

Brian embedded himself into RACC; taking advantage of not only the education he was receiving but also getting involved in the school and being a part of the work-study program. During this time, Brian learned a lot about himself through the great relationships he made with professors and staff. Ben Rosenberger and Roger Kimpland are among the many RACC staff that helped influence his future.

“They believed in me, embraced me and encouraged me.”

After he graduated from RACC, he attained his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at Albright College, Brian started his own website design business. But it was after

Brian’s resume continued to grow with new opportunities and advancements, when ultimately his life came to a crossroad. Brian was offered a job at Amazon in Seattle Washington, but once again RACC would turn his life in a different direction. Brian, now married and father of two, was also given the opportunity to come back to RACC to teach and lead the website development program. And for Brian the decision was simple, RACC! “It was the combination of having the opportunity to be with my children on a daily basis and doing something that has real meaning in my life that brought me back to RACC.”

“I will now spend the remaining years of my career fostering success in students by encouraging them to pursue a greater quality of life and a satisfaction of self worth.”

the cessation of his business that Brian’s career really took off. “I have been very fortunate to have had an exciting career in which I’ve had the honor to lead teams from around the world in website and application projects for organizations such as Ebay, Hasbro, Godiva, Sony, Dicks

As the Website Development Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor at RACC, Brian challenges his students to not only learn technology but to also take a hard look inside themselves to see who they really are and realize their hidden potential.

He wants to give them the same motivation he was given when he was student. “I will now spend the remaining years of my career fostering success in students by encouraging them to pursue a greater quality of life and a satisfaction of self worth.”

Faculty Voices

Associate Professor and Academic Advisor, Marjorie Ader Kerbel Margie is an associate professor and academic advisor. Her goal is to not only teach students to be able to conquer college level reading and writing, but also to make sure her students can thrive in the world outside the classroom. “My success rates in the classroom are wonderful, but that is really because I put a lot of time into taking care of my students outside the classroom as well.

One way I am doing this is by promoting literacy in our community.

I organize a ‘Free Book Fair’ each

fall during literacy month. This fall marked our Sixth Annual Free Book Fair,” says Margie.

This holiday season, I was able to facilitate the “Great Toy, Diaper, and Clothing Distribution.” Students with children were invited to “shop” (for free) and received toys and clothing that they chose for their own children. Traditional college students were worrying about finals in December, this program took away any other worries and allowed the students to focus on academic achievement.

“My success rates in the classroom are wonderful, but that is really because I put a lot of time into taking care of my students outside the classroom as well.”

“My students are my passion, but it isn’t just academics that drove me to be a teacher. As far back as I can remember, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher,” she says. She graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Mathematics.

She holds a Master of Science with specialization as a reading specialist from McDaniel College.

After many years in public school teaching grades kindergarten to middle school, Margie was offered a position as an adjunct faculty at

Montgomery County Community College teaching developmental reading and English as a Second Language. “I suddenly realized my true calling,” she says. Eight years later, Margie was hired as a full time instructor of advanced college reading at Reading Area Community College. She has since introduced progressive programs and techniques such as ACE Reader, Reading/Writing Boot Camp (which accelerates students by one or more levels), and a critical thinking course that allows developmental students to engage in college level work and gain credits that transfer to their four-year institutions.

“Margie has definitely found her calling and we’re very fortunate she chose RACC to live it out,” says RACC President Dr. Susan Looney.

Admissions

EVENTS Learn more about all events happening at RACC, just visit racc.edu/events

FEB

05 FEB

05

Open Enrolllment Day Register for spring and summer classes by joining us for Open Enrollment Day on Tuesday, February 5th. Take a placement test, complete the FAFSA and meet with an enrollment coordinator all in one day.

Virtual Information Session Learn about RACC’s accelerated, online, and hybrid offerings — in the comfort of your own home or office!

Join us Tuesday evening, February 5th, by signing up online at racc.edu/AdmissionsEvents.

APRIL 10TH | 11 AM - 3 PM Schmidt Training & Technology Center

FEB

12

Financial Aid Information Session High school seniors and parents are invited to attend this informative session on financial aid. Whether your child plans on attending RACC or another college, you are welcome to join us Tuesday, February 12th.

Meet with over 40 employers! racc.edu/services/career-services

It’s not too late.

Spring classes start February 11th. racc.edu/registertoday

Spring Open House Plus!

Saturday, March 2nd | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM* Schmidt Training & Technology Center

All attendees will be entered to win a $100 gift card to the RACC Bookstore!

Visit with faculty Meet with an advisor to discuss your four-year degree pathway options Learn about our associate degree, technical training, career and literacy programs Get your financial aid questions answered Learn about our student clubs and organizations placement test* or complete a placement evaluation Plus! take the with one of our admissions representatives!

To learn more and to RSVP, go to RACC.edu/AdmissionsEvents. *Check-in for placement testing will close at 11:00 AM and a valid photo ID is required. Bring your high school/college transcripts or standardized test scores (AP/SAT/ACT) to complete a placement evaluation.

Free parking is available in the Front & Washington Streets garage.

Student Success Chris was given the opportunity to teach an adult education course at RACC. Teaching this program helped him to transition his career to work full-time in education. “I realized that education was going to be my gateway to attain my career goals, and RACC is where I found my passion for leadership and education,” he says. Chris segued to a position at the Berks County Intermediate Unit which ultimately led him to where he is today, Assistant Superintendent at Reading School District.

“Going to RACC was the best decision I ever made. It put me on track for long term success.”

— Chris Celmer Chris enrolled in RACC as a Business Management major. He continued his education at Alvernia University where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and his Master’s Degree at Wilkes University. Chris

Chris feels that RACC is a phenomenal option for students. “The faculty and staff want to do what’s right by their students, especially those coming out of high school that need more guidance and support.”

accredits RACC for laying the groundwork for his success: “The foundation that I was given at RACC in the business division allowed me to have a successful journey in school and work.”

“RACC got me established in the roots of my career and has honestly unfolded my whole professional life.” — Annie Carl After graduating from RACC, Annie received a position at the Reading Hospital as an Outpatient Nutrition Clerk and continued her education by obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and her certification as a Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist. This opened the door for Annie to move up the ladder at the hospital and to ultimately

help her land the position she has today, Revenue Cycle Ambulatory Liaison. “RACC was what I needed to get me on the right track and set my future in motion. My associate’s degree was just the beginning of my educational journey and it pushed me to want more.” Annie is currently working on her master’s degree in organizational leadership in the science of psychology.

“It’s never too late to follow your dreams!” school, and work toward not only — Missy Hassler Missy graduated from high school and dreamed of becoming a lawyer. “After high school, I received a certificate to become a legal secretary to get my foot in the door,” Missy says, “but discovered I could make more money tending bar.”

It was not until Missy’s son was born that she realized it was time to find a different job. As she searched the classified ads, she realized that starting a career would be more difficult then she thought. She landed a job as a member’s specialist at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, but also decided to start pursuing her dreams. “I’m at a point in my life where I can handle

my future, but my son’s as well.”

Many friends referred Missy to RACC to continue her education.

“RACC is full of community-minded individuals, right from the start in admissions to the faculty and students. My teachers are very supportive, and my fellow students are friendly and kind. The overall atmosphere on the campus is pleasant.”

Missy admits that she was nervous about enrolling and concerned about finances, but RACC’s streamlined application process and the knowledgeable financial aid department made it easy to follow.

For Missy, RACC is exactly what she needed to make her dreams come true. “I believe it’s never too late! If you have a dream, follow it.”

Esteffani Alcantra: Becoming a well-rounded leader Esteffani started working in a hospital at age 19 and received three promotions, but when she asked for another promotion, she was told she hit a dead end because she didn’t have a degree. That’s when Esteffani began working on an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts at RACC. After earning her associate degree, Esteffani entered into the dual admissions program with Bloomsburg University. While taking classes at RACC and online, Esteffani was able to receive her Bachelor of Applied Science in technical leadership (BASTL) from Bloomsburg.

“As a single mother and a full-time employee, the ability to take online courses and satisfy the Bloomsburg curriculum at RACC was definitely a plus.

And the technical leadership degree makes you a well-rounded leader because you learn accounting and management as well as intrapersonal skills and cultural diversity.”

MILLER CENTER for the Arts The Miller Center for the Arts, located on the campus of Reading Area Community College, has become an anchor in Reading’s cultural landscape.

Our 509-seat theatre offers quality programming for all ages and interests.

Whether you would like to see modern dance, improv comedy or a children’s show, the Miller Center has something for everyone.

Saturday, February 2 7:30 PM | Bridgman/Packer

Sunday, March 10 3:00 PM | San Jose Taiko

Friday, February 8 1 PM & 7:30 PM | Classic Film: Around the World in 80 Days

Sunday, March 24 4 PM | Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Friday, March 29 7:30 PM | Frankenstein by Aquila Theatre Monday, April 1 6:30 PM | Chavela

Saturday, March 16 7:30 | Malpaso Dance Company

Friday, April 5 7:30 PM | Gina Chavez

Saturday, February 23 7:30 PM | Purple to Pärt, RIOULT Dance

Tuesday, March 19 6:30 PM | From the Second Wave to the Tidal Wave & NextStepRun!

Wednesday, February 27 6:30 PM | Man On Fire

Friday, March 22 1 PM & 7:30 PM | High Tide in Dorchester

Squirrel Nut Zippers FRIDAY, APRIL 26 | 7:30 PM First annual Miller Center Giveaway Extravaganza!

Your $85 ticket includes: • A pre-show reception that includes scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and other delectables • Two complimentary drinks • Signature reusable covered tumblers that can be taken into the performance hall (a first!)

• A Viking River Cruise Raffle ticket valued at $25 • The best seats in the house!

For more information about Miller Center for the Arts 2019 events, including membership opportunities, visit millercenter.racc.edu.

“TAKE A CHANCE” ON THE MILLER CENTER Viking Cruise Lines is generously donating a river cruise for two valued at over $10,000 with 100% of the proceeds from the $25 raffle ticket(s) you purchase to directly benefit Reading Area Community College’s Miller Center for the Arts.

Replacement of worn and outdated audio, lighting and stage equipment, upgraded frontof-house amenities, and acquiring materials that help support our outreach to underserved communities and programming is a snapshot of how your purchase will be applied.

The Viking Cruise package includes: • • • • • • • • •

All onboard meals including regional specialties Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water All port taxes & fee Riverview stateroom with spacious accommodations One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call Unlimited free Wi-Fi Visits to UNESCO Sites Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Take a Chance on The Miller Center and Win! $25 per ticket or 5 tickets for $100

The tickets will be applied toward Viking’s 2020 river sailings for either the Rhine, Danube, Danube Waltz or Paris and the Heart of Normandy valued at over $10,000!

Raffle ticket purchases will commence November 4. 2018 with drawing of the winners to take place Friday, April 26, 2019 from the Miller Center stage. Need not be present to win.

Chances of winning are 1 in 1,000! millercenter.racc.edu/viking

Foundation for RACC

Please give to the RACC ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN Your generous gift to the campaign encourages excellence across every aspect of RACC academic life, but above all, it supports people — exceptional, motivated students and the faculty and student services professionals who instruct, encourage and inspire them. We urge you to contribute.

Here are a few recent examples of RACC on the move:

Reading Area Community College enrollment up Since our founding in 1971, RACC has enrolled more than

254,000

students, and issued

14,000

degrees & certificates.

RACC partnership provides early childhood education opportunities A collaborative pilot program between the United Way and Reading Area Community College aims to improve early childhood education curriculum and educate

Berks County childcare center staff.

A $100,000 grant from the PA Dept. of Human Services will help students who qualify for the program to earn the Child Development Associate Credential.

Upon completion, students can apply earned credits to an associate degree. In addition, the program will provide incentives to help reduce the high employee turnover rate in the early education sector.

Enrollment in 2018 was 4.4 percent ahead of the previous year and grew an additional 0.5 percent at the start of the 2019 academic year.

Of the 14 community colleges in Pennsylvania, RACC is one of a handful where enrollment is not declining but continues to increase.

Positive developments blooming in downtown Reading A large project on Penn Street involved students in Reading Area Community College’s Upward Bound program, which works with first-generation college-bound students. A group of 34 pulled weeds and planted flowers in Penn Street medians as part of a DID downtown greening project.

Gifts to the Annual Fund, your gift, help sustain academic programs, provide scholarships and support innovative programming and services for our students.

We appreciate your consideration and your support!

For more information, contact: Michael E. Nagel at 610.607.6294 or mnagel@racc.edu.

Foundation for RACC The Foundation for Reading Area Community College was created to raise, invest and manage private funds for the benefit of the college. The Foundation supports RACC’s mission to build communities of learning to encourage educational growth by providing scholarship funding for all students with demonstrated financial need and for emerging initiatives that serve to further enhance the college’s programs and facilities.

RACC to Work The workforce shortage is reaching a critical point.

More people are leaving the workforce then entering it. Why? • Through 2025, the potential retiree population is projected to grow at a staggering rate: from approximately 60,000 to just over 80,000.

• Over the same 15 years, the population of potential entrants into the labor force is projected to remain essentially flat at just over 20,000.

Three key sectors will be impacted significantly: • Manufacturing, healthcare and construction/skilled trades.

According to the Berks County Workforce Development Board: • Our local manufacturers alone will need to recruit and retain approximately 7,000 new entrants by 2025 to replace retiring boomers.

As a leading educator for local residents, RACC offers a variety of credit and noncredit programs including:

RACC to Work is a program that provides scholarships to students enrolled in credit and noncredit training programs that will lead to employment in high demand jobs.

• Manufacturing Technology, Information Technology (IT), & Workforce Development.

Your donations will directly impact the lives and prosperity of our students, and keep Berks County’s manufacturing sector globally competitive.

• Students with RACC training leads to employment with good pay and benefits.

• Together, RACC and our donors have a unique opportunity to impact lives for years to come.

• Berks County’s Manufacturing’s Renaissance — Local firms are hiring for expansion and replacement.

• Local manufacturers are looking to RACC to provide a continuous supply of skilled workers.

• Berks County’s residents are looking to RACC for an on-ramp to these good paying jobs.

Thanks to the generosity of a local donor, gifts to the RACC to Work program will be matched!

Our goal is to raise $100,000 in the first quarter of 2019.

For more information, contact: Michael E. Nagel at 610.607.6294 or mnagel@racc.edu.

New business and criminal justice courses available*

This spring, take your RACC courses in Sinking Spring!

RACC offers hybrid (combined face-to-face and online) and traditional classes during the late afternoon to early evening hours Monday through Thursday at our additional location.

To see available course offerings, visit racc.edu/sinkingspring or call 610.607.6224. *New business and criminal justice courses include: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Intro to Business, Intro to Communications, Law Enforcement System, American Legal System, American Government, Psychology, and Sociology.

racc.edu