Reading Collegiate Scholars

Established in 2014, the Reading Collegiate Scholars (RCS) Program provides a tuition-based scholarship and comprehensive support services to students attending Alvernia University. Beginning with the 2022–2023 academic year, the program was expanded to include students who live in Berks County or attend a Berks County high school. Through the generous support of donors, eligible Berks County students receive financial assistance along with ongoing academic and personal support designed to promote college persistence and successful degree completion. Currently, 65 students are enrolled at Alvernia University as RCS Scholars for the 2025–2026 academic year.

To Qualify Students Must ...

• Live in Berks County
• Attend a Berks County high school
• Have submitted the FAFSA including SAI
• Have accepted their loans 

Eligible High Schools

• Antietam, Berks Catholic, Daniel Boone, Exeter High School, Gov. Mifflin, Hamburg Area, Muhlenberg, Reading High School, Tulpehocken, Twin Valley, Wilson, Wyomissing

Program Statistics & Outcomes

• Students Assisted: Since the program's inception, Alvernia has assisted 119 scholars: 54 have graduated and 65 are still finishing their degrees.
• Average Cohort Size: About 10 students per year since 2014
• First-Generation Students: About 67% of RCS Scholars
• Current Enrollment: 65 students (2025–2026)
• Alumni Success: About 17% of alumni have completed a master’s degree. RCS Alumni work at a wide range of leading organizations, including:

RACC Transfer Students

Reading Collegiate Scholars Program Scholarship: Reading Area Community College (RACC) graduates who transfer to Alvernia each fall will be considered for a full-tuition scholarship. Requirements for this award: Each student must obtain an associate degree before the academic term of acceptance; must live in the city of Reading, Pennsylvania; must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher while a RACC student; and must be enrolled full-time in the day academic division. Applicants must also submit their Reading Collegiate Scholars Program application by June 1, 2026.

Community Engagement: Scholarship and College Readiness Programs

RCSP offers an engaging after-school College Readiness Program featuring Alvernia University work-study students and dedicated volunteers providing tutoring and mentorship. Students receive academic support while building essential skills in college preparation and access, career readiness, and overall academic confidence. Throughout the year, participants have the opportunity to gain valuable exposure to college environments and helping them envision their future educational pathways.

Originally offered to Reading High School students, with programming taking place at Reading High School on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school for two hours, the program expanded to Gov. Mifflin High School during the spring semester.