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 partners with Visions for financial literacy education
Financial Wellness Center established as part of expanded partnership
U.S. News & World Report names 17³Ô¹ÏÍø a top-ranked national university for third consecutive year
17³Ô¹ÏÍø recognized for social mobility and nursing program
17³Ô¹ÏÍø welcomes third-largest class in university history
2024 marks the fifth consecutive year with over 475 new students
17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 17³Ô¹ÏÍø to promote microbanking in Reading
University’s O’Pake Institute to provide technical assistance for microlending Â
TExPL® joins 17³Ô¹ÏÍø
Institute for award-winning methodology finds new home base
Engineering students craft campus landmark-inspired birdhouse for local charity event
17³Ô¹ÏÍø Trustee Kunkel supports student experiential learning at Habitat for Humanity event
BCTV and 17³Ô¹ÏÍø announce installation of Little Free Library at 401 Penn Street
Effort aims to promote literacy and build community connections
