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
Engineering students craft campus landmark-inspired birdhouse for local charity event
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ Trustee Kunkel supports student experiential learning at Habitat for Humanity event
BCTV and 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ announce installation of Little Free Library at 401 Penn Street
Effort aims to promote literacy and build community connections
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ and GRCA showcase future of work at second-annual conference
Hoffman named executive-in-residence for university’s communication and digital media department
Header School of Business namesake credits success to recognizing opportunities
A work ethic forged early in life led Greg Header ’97 to become a successful entrepreneur who recently made the largest alumni gift in 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ history.
Teaming up to take education higher
The public phase of 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ’s comprehensive campaign will focus squarely on partnerships as drivers of growth and change.
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ’s John R. Post School of Engineering Hosts Engineering Week
FirstEnergy and S.P.A.R.K.S Foundation partner to provide experiential learning to students
Wyomissing Foundation commits $300,000 grant to 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ
Three-year pledge to retrofit new health center in former American House
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ announces $70 million fundraising campaign at President’s Dinner
Alumni and community leaders earn prestigious honors at annual celebration
