READING, Pa. — August 27, 2024 — The Pennsylvania Department of Education today announced $6.5 million in funding for improvements to the Student Union Building at Reading Area Community College.
The funding comes alongside substantial increases in higher education investments in Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 budget. This includes a $35.1 million increase for Pennsylvania State System universities, a $15.7 million increase for community colleges, and an additional $143 million to PHEAA to make college more affordable for Pennsylvania students.
The budget also establishes a new State Board of Higher Education, as proposed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in a visit to RACC earlier this year, in an effort to overhaul higher education in the commonwealth and increase coordination between community colleges and PASSHE schools. Sen. Judy Schwank, who serves on the PASSHE board of governors, said this investment in RACC demonstrates the governor and the state legislature’s ability to work together to improve higher education.
“No one can question our commitment to ensuring that public higher education meets the immediate and long-term needs of Pennsylvania students,” Schwank said. “RACC is a source of pride for our community because of its ability to provide excellent educational opportunities to Berks Countians at an affordable price. RACC is worthy of the state’s support, and I can’t thank the Shapiro administration enough for recognizing the value this institution brings to our area with this investment.”
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