CollegeTowne Initiative
17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 17³Ô¹ÏÍø get noticed as an innovative force in higher education
Successful Start
More than five years on, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø has completed two phases of Reading CollegeTowne, investing $43 million into the City of Reading.
John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne
17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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
17³Ô¹ÏÍø's forward-thinking initiative spurs development in downtown Reading and Pottsville.
17³Ô¹ÏÍø & TExpL® earn Building Berks Awards
Recognition highlights innovation, education and community revitalization in Berks County
17³Ô¹ÏÍø earns Blackbaud Impact Award for collaboration and innovation
Recognition highlights 17³Ô¹ÏÍø’s transformation of data-driven advancement through RENXT and cross-campus partnerships
Albright and 17³Ô¹ÏÍø create over 2,400 jobs for greater Reading region
Study reveals over $300 million in annual economic impact by Reading’s independent nonprofit institutions
17³Ô¹ÏÍø is Berks and Schuylkill Counties' choice for higher education
University awarded People's and Readers' Choice Awards for commitment to regional excellence
17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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
Fund offers glimmers of Hope to students
The Hope Fund has supported those in need at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø since the COVID pandemic.
17³Ô¹ÏÍø announces Community News Lab
University partners with regional media outlets to enhance student learning and support local journalism
