CollegeTowne Initiative
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ launched the CollegeTowne initiative in Reading in late 2019. The concept featured three objectives:
• Changing how the university operates and grows
• Affecting the surrounding community and spurring economic development
• Helping 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ get noticed as an innovative force in higher education
Successful Start
Since the launch, 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ has completed two phases of Reading CollegeTowne, investing $60 million into the City of Reading.
John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ purchased and renovated the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, a 250,000-square-foot living and learning facility at 401 Penn Street.
Pottsville CollegeTowne
The university opened Pottsville CollegeTowne in downtown Pottsville in January 2023.
American House at Reading CollegeTowne
Phase III will include the renovation of the American House at Reading CollegeTowne, which will include a state-of-the-art community-based health center in partnership with Berks Community Health Center.
O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
The university will also add additional business incubator space for the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and retail space.
Learn More
CollegeTowne initiative fuels regional expansion
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ's forward-thinking initiative spurs development in downtown Reading and Pottsville.
Recent News
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ celebrates success of largest fundraising campaign at President’s Dinner
Alumni and community leaders earn prestigious honors at annual celebration
Homecoming and Family Weekend mixes tried-and-true traditions with new offerings
A 5K race and a first-year family tailgate were among the events joining old favorites at the 2025 edition.
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ & TExpL® earn Building Berks Awards
Recognition highlights innovation, education and community revitalization in Berks County
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ earns Blackbaud Impact Award for collaboration and innovation
Recognition highlights 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ’s transformation of data-driven advancement through RENXT and cross-campus partnerships
Albright and 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ create over 2,400 jobs for greater Reading region
Study reveals over $300 million in annual economic impact by Reading’s independent nonprofit institutions
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ is Berks and Schuylkill Counties' choice for higher education
University awarded People's and Readers' Choice Awards for commitment to regional excellence
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ receives $450K grant Through PAsmart
Funds will support innovative projects to expand access to Computer Science & STEM Education experiences for both students and adults.
Breidegam Family Foundation supports American House project
Funding advances healthcare access and workforce development in downtown Reading
