CollegeTowne Initiative

As a Franciscan institution, Alvernia’s mission compels it to be a source of transformation for students and the communities it serves, as St. Francis of Assisi was during his day. Just as St. Francis played a critical role in rebuilding the Church, Alvernia, collaborating with other partners, will play a key role in the revitalization of the communities it serves in Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia.

The newly re-engineered O’Pake Institute will serve as a catalyst for educational and business expansion, including the student-centered business incubator, in the communities it serves.

A business incubator provides training and support to help develop new and startup companies. As a space for student-centered ideas and exploring program opportunities for strategic growth, it serves as a catalyst for local or regional economic development. To support its academic programs, Alvernia is partnering with local economic growth organizations Greater to establish student-centered business incubators in the communities it serves.