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.
Scholarship Benefits
- Bridge Programming: A transition program to ease your move from high school to college. Connect with faculty and staff, build relationships with fellow scholars, and engage in activities like time management, study skills, and professional etiquette before your first semester.
- Ongoing Support: Regular meetings with the Program Manager to track your progress toward graduation, connect you to academic resources, and provide support throughout your time at Alvernia.
- Tuition-Based Scholarship: After completing your FAFSA, the RCS scholarship can provide tuition assistance based on financial need. Please note that this scholarship does not cover room and board, tuition-related fees, or other estimated expenses such as textbooks.
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
- Governor 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
- Employment & Internship Opportunities: RCS Alumni work at leading organizations, including:
- Tower Health Reading Hospital
- Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center
- Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
- Penske
- Customer’s Bank
- HGSK Law Firm
- Alcon
- Angles of Care
Apply Now
Students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program by March 1, 2026.
- Reading Collegiate Scholars Program Interest Form
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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
Our College Readiness Program supports Reading High School students as they prepare for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Programming takes place at Reading High School on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school for two hours.
RCSP offers an engaging after-school College Readiness Program where Alvernia University work-study students and dedicated volunteers provide 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 also take part in community service projects and campus visits, giving them valuable exposure to college environments and helping them envision their future educational pathways.
