Alvernia O’Pake fosters workforce development innovation with John Paul II Center

From left: O'Pake Institute Director of Student Services Katie Hestor, Alvernia Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives, Rodney S. Ridley, Sr., Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent for the Diocese of Allentown Karen Rolston, John Paul II Center Principal Kaylee Simcik, John Paul II Center Transitions Program Coordinator Rene Berkhammer

Expanded partnership includes student-run retail operation at new American House at Reading CollegeTowne location

Alvernia University's O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship partners with the John Paul II Center for Special Learning to create enhanced workforce development opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and expand experiential learning opportunities for Alvernia students. The expanded partnership includes plans for the establishment of a John Paul II Center client-run retail operation at the university's new American House at Reading CollegeTowne facility.

"At Alvernia, our CollegeTowne initiatives are all about driving meaningful innovation, creating inclusive opportunities, and strengthening the local workforce through thoughtful, collaborative partnerships," said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "By deepening our longstanding partnership with the John Paul II Center, we're ensuring individuals with special needs have access to hands-on training and resources that empower them to thrive and play a key role in our region's economic revitalization. At the same time, this collaboration offers Alvernia students exceptional opportunities for experiential learning, making a real-world impact while honing their skills and passions."

The strategic alliance creates pathways for individuals with disabilities to explore entrepreneurial ventures and develop crucial workforce skills through hands-on real world learning experiences. Participants from both organizations will have access to workshops, mentorship programs, and experiential learning opportunities.

"Our partnership with Alvernia University and the O'Pake Institute is a natural extension of our mission to empower individuals with disabilities to live their fullest lives," said John Paull II Center Principal Kaylee Simcik. "Together, we can build programs that not only educate but also inspire our students and their families to achieve their dreams."

The O'Pake Institute staff will provide technical assistance, including business model canvas creation, financial services, creative services and tech transfer services, to program participants through the O'Pake Institute's student-powered SPARK Business Incubator, a key resource for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region. The John Paul II Center will create unique education and age-appropriate programming focused on transition and life skills. Together, they will develop new programs and initiatives, fostering skills development, entrepreneurship, and meaningful community engagement for individuals with special needs and Alvernia students.

"Our mission at the O'Pake Institute has always been to enhance student experiential learning while enhancing the economic outlook and workforce development opportunities for our region," said Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D. "This partnership with the John Paul II Center is a powerful example of how strategic alliances foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem as we look to ensure individuals have access to education, tools, and resources to build meaningful lives."

The collaboration will begin immediately, with the first joint initiatives set to launch in early 2025.