A new partnership between The Highlands at Wyomissing and Alvernia University is expanding educational opportunities for Highlands employees.
Through the agreement, Alvernia will match The Highlands scholarship awards dollar-for-dollar, up to $2,000 per student each academic year, creating additional support for employees pursuing higher education and professional growth, according to an announcement of the arrangement.
“The partnership reflects a shared belief that investing in people strengthens organizations, the local workforce and the community as a whole,” the announcement stated.
In the program’s first year, two Highlands employees attending Alvernia each received a $2,000 scholarship from The Highlands and qualified for an additional $2,000 match from the university, providing $4,000 in total support to each student.
“At Alvernia, we are committed to making it possible for working adults to continue their education, build new skills, and pursue new opportunities without having to leave the region they call home,” Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald said in a statement. She added that strong communities depend on strong partnerships, “particularly when it comes to preparing people for the future of work.”
“Our partnership with The Highlands at Wyomissing is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish when we come together around a shared commitment to people and to the future of Berks County,” she said.
For The Highlands, the partnership enhances a scholarship initiative established by residents to support employees pursuing educational and career advancement opportunities.
“The Highlands has always believed in investing in people,” President and CEO Kevin P. DeAcosta said. “This partnership with Alvernia University extends that commitment and creates additional pathways for our employees to pursue their educational and professional goals. Together, our organizations are helping build a stronger workforce and a stronger community.”
The scholarship matching initiative complements The Highlands’ employee scholarship program. In 2026, the resident-led Scholarship Committee awarded 26 scholarships of $2,000 each to support education at colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools and certificate programs.
Under the terms of the partnership agreement, eligible recipients must be Highlands employees in good academic standing.
A committee of Highlands residents and staff select scholarship recipients, who then have an opportunity to complete Alvernia’s admissions process and meet the award eligibility requirements. Alvernia will provide the matching funds after those requirements are satisfied.