County of Berks joins Alvernia’s Apprenticeship to Degree program

Expanded partnership provides paid experiential learning and workforce development pipeline

Alvernia University and the County of Berks formalizes an expanded partnership through its newly launched Apprenticeship to Degree Program to meet the talent needs of local employers through for long-term, paid experiential learning opportunities for students to strengthen workforce development across the region.

"Through this partnership, we are creating transformative experiences for our students, preparing them not only for successful careers but also for leadership roles in their industries and communities," said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "Our collaboration with Berks County is a testament to our shared commitment to the growth and economic vitality of the region."

The Apprenticeship to Degree Program, first launched with B. Braun Medical Inc. and now expanding through this partnership, provides students with paid externships and internships aligned with their academic studies. The initiative allows students to integrate classroom learning with practical experience in the workplace while earning academic credits and gaining invaluable professional development opportunities.

"The County of Berks looks forward to developing a pipeline to connect with and nurture talented college students through paid internships within the Alvernia University's Apprenticeship to Degree program," Chairman, Berks County Board of Commissioners, Christian Leinbach. "Opportunities like this strengthen the county's ability to attract highly qualified staff while reinforcing the well-formed bonds between Berks County and Alvernia University. We are hopeful that other Higher Eds may follow the Alvernia example."

The partnership allows students to engage in year-round work, gaining insight into industry operations and organizational culture. Internship positions available through this partnership include a detective and forensics intern, controller's intern, information technology intern, human resources intern, and library systems intern. Students will have access to on-campus housing during the summer, along with career mentorship from Alvernia faculty and industry leaders, further deepening the student experience.

"The Apprenticeship to Degree Program stands as a key component of Alvernia's broader strategy to integrate experiential learning into the academic journey, ensuring students graduate well-prepared for the workforce," said Alvernia Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ph.D. "We are proud to partner with Berks County, and together, we can create a pipeline of talent that will benefit both our students and the local economy for years to come. As the partnerships with the program grow, the university plans to continue expanding opportunities for students to engage in diverse career paths."

For more information about the Apprenticeship to Degree Program or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact the Office of the Provost at [email protected].