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 secures $3 million grant for CollegeTowne initiatives
Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds American House renovation and Pottsville CollegeTowne Phase II construction
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ highlights experiential learning additions at President’s Dinner
Alumni and community leaders earn prestigious honors at annual celebration
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ partners with Visions for financial literacy education
Financial Wellness Center established as part of expanded partnership
U.S. News & World Report names 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ a top-ranked national university for third consecutive year
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ recognized for social mobility and nursing program
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ welcomes third-largest class in university history
2024 marks the fifth consecutive year with over 475 new students
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ earns recognition for empowering women
Lehigh Valley Business and Central Penn Business Journal names university as 2024 Empowering Women Award recipient
Community First Fund expands partnership with 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ to promote microbanking in Reading
University’s O’Pake Institute to provide technical assistance for microlending Â
TExPL® joins 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ
Institute for award-winning methodology finds new home base
