State Grant Expands Pottsville CollegeTowne

HARRISBURG - Alvernia University's Pottsville CollegeTowne will now feature a Schuylkill YCMA gymnastics facility thanks to a $1 million state grant. Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123) worked with local leaders to secure this highly competitive funding.

"We've seen time and time again the power higher education has to breathe new life into older towns," said Argall. "What was formerly a blighted, abandoned grocery store is now training the next generation of nurses, educators, and entrepreneurs AND expanding athletic opportunities right in downtown Pottsville."

"This grant funding expands Alvernia University's Pottsville Campus and positive community outreach," said Twardzik. "This project will enrich the learning experience for students and create new spaces, such as a YMCA gymnastics center and a coffee shop, within Alvernia's CollegeTowne educational complex. As a state legislator, I am happy to help advocate for this funding and thank Sen. Argall for his efforts in securing it."

In 2021, Alvernia University purchased the vacant, blighted former Giant grocery store in downtown Pottsville and fully renovated it into Pottsville CollegeTowne. An additional $3 million in state funding and $2 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) supported this work. The campus opened its doors to students in early 2023.

This new funding will renovate additional, never-used space in the building into a new Schuylkill YMCA gymnastics facility. Currently, the Schuylkill YMCA provides gymnastics to 75 youth, with more than 200 on a waiting list. The new gymnasium furthers the goal of the community leaders who created the campus - to bring people together and breathe new life into downtown Pottsville.

Funding was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which awards grants to economic development projects that have a regional impact.

CONTACT: Jim Brugger (Argall)
Will Jones (Twardzik)