RACC, West Chester University sign pact

As part of a first-time partnership, Reading Area Community College and West Chester University have signed a degree completion agreement that will provide greater access to a baccalaureate degree for RACC students.

The new agreement enables qualified RACC students to earn an associate degree, then transfer seamlessly to the university with a renewable scholarship and priority housing.

More than 25 associate degree programs at RACC will transfer directly into parallel programs at the university, officials said. A renewable scholarship award of up to $2,000 per academic year will also be available to eligible RACC students.

“The new admissions agreement between Reading Area Community College and West Chester University will expand access to our college’s transformative education for Pennsylvania students,” Dr. Susan Looney, RACC president, said in a release. “This partnership will provide a direct pathway to a West Chester University degree for the talented graduates of RACC programs.”

While at both institutions, students will receive support through financial advising, tutoring and academic success coaching. To benefit from transfer scholarships and housing priorities, qualified RACC students must enroll at the university within one calendar year of their graduation from RACC.

“West Chester University is excited to partner with Reading Area Community College and have its graduates join our community,” said Dr. Chris Fiorentino, university president. “Much like RACC, WCU is committed to the success of all students from every point of entry, and we take pride in doing whatever it takes to help students cross the finish line to graduation. At the same time, providing our students with access to a quality education at a reasonable cost is an uncompromising priority. We welcome being the next step in the academic plans of numerous RACC graduates.”

The university’s exploratory studies, sports medicine, respiratory care and traditional bachelor of science in nursing major programs are not part of the agreement.