Student Success

Engineering Ahead students

Engineering Ahead bridges gap for incoming students

Penn State Berks is helping a future generation of engineering students to succeed through the college’s Engineering Ahead Program, which is now in its seventh year. The goal of the four-week summer “bridge” program, which ran from June 26 to July 22, is to increase retention rates among a diverse group of engineering students by enhancing academic preparedness and providing support.  
Certificate in Spanish Healthcare books

Penn State Berks honors first grad with Certificate in Spanish for Healthcare

When Miranda Hillyard enrolled as a student at Penn State Berks, she wanted to diversify her skill set, and the Certificate in Spanish for Healthcare seemed like the perfect solution. She graduated in the spring of 2022 with a baccalaureate degree in sociology, a minor in Spanish, and a specialized certificate that gives her an added advantage in the job market.
Kat and Evan Kinzey at Violet Vintage Wine Company

Alumni couple turn love of wine into a business

When you walk into Violet Vintage Wine Company, you are transported to the 1930s with the art deco-inspired design – tastefully accentuated by subtle shades of violet – and Big Band music playing in the background. Patrons can tell that it’s a labor of love for owners and Penn State alumni Katherine “Kat” (De Crescenzo), 2014, and Evan Kinzey, 2015, who share not only a love of wine, but a love for each other that shines through in everything they do.
Nathan Bonslaver on sleeping platform.

Bonslaver graduates Penn State Berks and embarks on career as an entrepreneur

After Nathan Bonslaver graduates from Penn State Berks on May 7, he will be closing the door on one chapter while opening the door to another. Not only is Bonslaver the co-founder of CarToCamp, which provides universally fitting SUV sleeping platforms for car camping, but he also was one of six selected to participate in the Invent Penn State Summer Founders Program, a 13-week accelerator program that provides funding and resources to develop startups.