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 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 17³Ô¹ÏÍø history.
Teaming up to take education higher
The public phase of 17³Ô¹ÏÍø’s comprehensive campaign will focus squarely on partnerships as drivers of growth and change.
17³Ô¹ÏÍø’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 17³Ô¹ÏÍø
Three-year pledge to retrofit new health center in former American House
17³Ô¹ÏÍø announces $70 million fundraising campaign at President’s Dinner
Alumni and community leaders earn prestigious honors at annual celebration
17³Ô¹ÏÍø unveils newly opened School of Nursing
New 55,000-square-foot facility boasts simulation center and expanded lab space
17³Ô¹ÏÍø's CollegeTowne fuels regional expansion
17³Ô¹ÏÍø's strategy will create ripple effects, with redevelopment spurring more redevelopment, aided by public-private alliances.
