Reading Collegiate Scholars

Established in 2014, the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program was created to increase high school graduation and college attendance rates for students living in Reading, while ensuring the success of Reading students enrolled at Alvernia University. As of the 2022-2023 academic school year, those services are being extended to students who reside within Berks County. Each year, through the generous support of donors, Berks students will be offered a tuition-based scholarship to attend Alvernia.

The Reading Collegiate Scholars Program provides many first-generation students the opportunity to attend a private university and a comprehensive support system to assist in student success. There are currently 69 students enrolled at Alvernia with this scholarship. Scholars are required to meet with staff members a certain number of times each semester to ensure they are working their way towards graduation and are required to sign a contract outlining expectations of scholarship.
 

Contact

Kirsy Rosario
Reading Collegiate Scholars Program Manager
Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement
Bornemann Building Office #5
610-796-5509, kirsy.rosario@alvernia.edu
 

About the Reading Collegiate Scholars

Scholarship and College Readiness Programs

• College Readiness programming happens at Reading High School Wednesdays and Thursdays after school for two hours.
• RCSP also offers an after-school College Readiness Program at Reading High School. Alvernia University work-study students and volunteers tutor Reading High School students to assist in their academic success, knowledge of understanding, college preparation & access, career readiness preparation and much more!
• Campus visits are provided for Reading High School students throughout the year.

RCSP Highlights

• Since the program's inception, Alvernia has assisted 112 scholars: 43 have graduated and 69 are still finishing their degrees.
• Reading Scholars have a combined cumulative GPA of 3.0 – higher than the overall student population GPA. Twenty percent of Reading Scholars made the Dean's List in Fall 2023.
• 93% of Reading Collegiate Scholars are first-generation college students.
• Alvernia supported nearly 750 students throughout the city in 2021-22. To date, more than 1,200 students have been assisted through the program.

Information for Students

Assisting Students

• Bridge Programming is a mandatory transitional program for all incoming first-year student scholars. This program assists in the transition of from high school to college by providing academic resources, the opportunity to meet various faculty and staff across campus, and meet other scholars and form relationships before the semester starts. Scholars participate in activities such as time management, study skills, finding their class locations and email etiquette.
• During the academic year, scholars meet with the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program Manager monthly for support and to ensure they are being connected to the resources that the students need in order to be successful.

Scholarships for RACC Transfers

Alvernia University and Reading Area Community College (RACC) have expanded 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 began with two full-tuition scholarships for qualified RACC graduates beginning fall 2019.  Two additional scholarships have been added each year, resulting in a total of six transfer students attending in Fall 2021. In addition, scholarship support will be expanded for all RACC graduates who transfer to Alvernia and meet academic and service criteria.

How do I qualify for the scholarship?

• Recipients must have earned an Associate's Degree from RACC
• Maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Live in the city limits of Reading, PA
• Granted acceptance to Alvernia University and enrolled full-time in the day academic division
• To apply, please complete the required form

What RCSP Students Have to Say

“I am thankful for receiving the scholarship because it has given me the opportunity to explore, grow, and learn more about myself all while giving me a great support system to keep me motivated and pushing forward.” – Kirsy, Accounting, Class of 2020

"The best thing about being a scholar is the friendships created and the guidance of others through the process.  We have been gifted the ability to succeed." - Kayleen, Healthcare Administration, Class of 2022

"I am thankful for receiving the scholarship because the scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to take that first step in chasing my dreams; that first step in earning a degree in the communication field." - Khalil, Communications, Class of 2020

“I am thankful for the scholarship because it gives me an opportunity to pursue my academic career debt free. I consider that a blessing not only for myself but my family as well because they do not need to worry about my college tuition being paid since the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program has helped out extremely! I am very thankful for the scholarship and so is my family.” – Joel, Accounting, Class of 2022

"I am thankful for receiving the scholarship because it has provided me with many opportunities within Alvernia and throughout the community.  I have formed relationships that I would not have otherwise because of this opportunity, which has made my time at Alvernia more enjoyable." - Tyler, Occupational Therapy, Class of 2023

“Being a scholar means the capability to continue learning and self-improving” – Justin, Accounting, Class of 2021

“The best part about being a Reading Collegiate Scholar is connecting with all the people that are part of the program including the scholars. They have pushed me to be better and taught me so much about myself. Also, the opportunity to become a leader in my community and school.” – Bianca, Math, Class of 2020