Monday, June 8, 2026, will mark the first official day of summer vacation for many students in Berks County. For a select group of students, however, summer break will begin a week later.
Rising ninth-grade students from Muhlenberg Junior High School and the five middle schools in the Reading School District will spend the first days of their summer at RMCTC’s Career Camp. During this camp, students will be immersed in hands-on learning experiences designed to showcase the wide range of opportunities available at RMCTC.
Throughout the week, students will explore RMCTC’s 29 program offerings and participate in 10 interactive rotations across manufacturing, personal services, construction, and information technology. Each rotation combines a brief theory lesson with a hands-on project that students complete and take home. Projects such as building wooden birdhouses, designing custom T-shirts, constructing electric fan-powered cars, and baking and decorating personal cakes allow students to connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.
The goal of the camp is to provide students with diverse opportunities as they explore potential career interests and consider their future at RMCTC.
Since its reintroduction in 2021 following the pandemic, RMCTC’s Career Camp has grown significantly—from 40 participants in its first year to more than 100 students expected this summer. While student interest in the camp is exciting, what is more significant is the impact the program has had on enrollment at RMCTC. The school has experienced a 15% increase in enrollment over the past five years, which can be attributed in part to camp participation.
Programs at RMCTC emphasize career awareness, skill development, and real-world application, giving students the tools needed for both immediate employment and continued education. Career Camp introduces these meaningful opportunities in a fun, engaging atmosphere that keeps students excited and involved.
The RMCTC Career Camp is made possible through the generous support of the Berks County Workforce Development Board via the Business Education Partnership Grant. Additional support is provided by local businesses and community partners. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to exposing students to career pathways early and helping them make informed decisions as they prepare to enter high school.
Their support underscores the strong connection between RMCTC and the local workforce. By offering students a firsthand look at in-demand careers, RMCTC’s Career Camp continues to play a vital role in shaping the future workforce—one experience at a time.
