If you think a Penn State degree is out of reach, think again! With a diverse and welcoming college community–including a student body that is nearly 15 percent Latino–Penn State Berks provides a “home away from home” to nearly 2,600 students, 800 living on campus. Many say they feel at home from the moment they set foot on the beautiful 258-acre campus.
Penn State Berks offers the big University degree right here in Berks County. As a College with 21 bachelor’s degrees, Penn State Berks gives students the opportunity to earn a four-year degree close to home. Students also have the option of completing the first two years of study for nearly all Penn State’s 275+ majors.
One of the college’s main priorities is helping students to succeed inside and outside the classroom. Through programs such as Pathway to Success: Summer Start, incoming students get a head start on their studies during the summer session at a discounted tuition rate. The college also offers a variety of programs designed for adult learners including degree completion, certificates, and much more.
And there’s always something happening on campus! From a wide variety of activities and events to programs and clubs tailored to the interests of Latino students, such as Latinos United for Change, a group that works with students at Reading High School and the Latino community. In addition, bilingual faculty and staff help make students feel at ease. In fact, a bilingual Admissions Counselor is available to answer all your questions and concerns.
Many Latino students have had great success at Penn State Berks and beyond. Kailah Ortiz’18, a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, worked on stem cell cancer research during her time at the college. She explained, “I wouldn’t be who I am today without all the resources and opportunities Berks had to offer.”
Meanwhile, Eva Sanchez ’19, an Applied Psychology major, found a welcoming atmosphere and made it her mission to make other students feel welcome too. Serving as an intercultural mentor, Sanchez helped others to make the transition to college. She commented, “Penn State Berks has contributed to my growth in a lot of ways. I was very shy when I came here. I’ve gained confidence, become comfortable with public speaking, and taken on leadership roles. I’m very grateful for all the opportunities that I’ve had at Penn State Berks.”
