Berks Community Outreach

An instructor works in an occupational therapy classroom with students

Berks celebrates STEM by hosting Careers with Math Options Conference

Penn State Berks welcomed approximately 200 seventh-grade students and chaperones from 14 schools in and around the Berks County for its annual Careers with Math Options Conference on May 13. Now in its 26th year, the event is designed to spark interest and excitement for STEM topics early in young female students’ education.
Professor stands in front of marquee reading "Taylor Swift Eras Tour" while making a heart with her hands

Penn State Berks summer camps offer something for everyone

This summer, Penn State Berks offers the perfect mix of summer camp subject areas, from examining media and communication in the Swiftie Empowerment Experience, to exploring cybersecurity in the CyberPatriot Challenge, to putting engineering principles to work in Rocket Launchers, to learning about Geospatial Technology in the Drones, Satellites and Digital Mapping Camp, and so much more.
Attendees of the Symposium on Community-Based Participatory Research: Food Security and Access for Healthy Futures

Penn State Berks hosts symposium on food security and access for healthy futures

Penn State Berks hosted the “Symposium on Community-Based Participatory Research: Food Security and Access for Healthy Futures” on March 19. The objective was to determine how institutions of higher education and community partners can collaborate more effectively to address challenges related to food access and nutritional health. This symposium is part of the “Food Bank Operations Optimization: Data-driven Societal Impact Approach (FOODSIA)” project.
City Nature Challenge logo

Penn State Berks joins City Nature Challenge on April 27

Penn State Berks will host an event with Berks County's Parks and Recreation Department as part of the City Nature Challenge. The event, in which participants will observe and identify wildlife and plants in the local environment, will be held on Sunday, April 27. This event is free and open to the public and no experience is required but attendees are encouraged to register in advance.
Students standing outside Winnie’s Tea Bar in West Reading

Penn State Berks partners with West Reading to host event for students

More than 250 Penn State Berks students enjoyed “A Night In West Reading” on the evening of April 3. Hosted by the Office of Student Affairs, the event provided free transportation, as well as free food at several local establishments. Students also had an opportunity to paint an item at the Art Room, providing them with a souvenir of the event.
Staff and student at Earth Day event

Penn State Berks to host Earth Day event, tree planting, City Nature Challenge

Spring has sprung at Penn State Berks, and the college’s Sustainability Council will host its annual Earth Day celebration on Monday, April 21. Later that week, on April 23, the Sustainability Council will plant trees donated by PepsiCo in the student commuter parking lot. Then, Penn State Berks will host an event with Berks County's Parks and Recreation Department as part of the City Nature Challenge on Sunday, April 27. 
Berks LaunchBox logo

Berks LaunchBox 'IMAGINE Your Business' grant accepting applications

Berks LaunchBox has announced the spring 2025 round of the “IMAGINE Your Business” grant. Funded by the County of Berks Imagine Berks Fund, this grant provides up to $2,000 to early-stage entrepreneurs to support various business needs such as prototyping, marketing and product development. The initiative aims to foster innovation and economic growth within Berks County.  

Penn State Berks hosts evening exploring the power of AI on April 16

In celebration of AI Week, Penn State Berks will host an evening exploring the transformative power of AI for small- to medium-sized businesses on Wednesday, April 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event will be held in the Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) Center, located within the Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building. Cost is $20 for dinner (exact payment accepted at the door) and is free for Penn State students with ID. All attendees must register in advance.