From Reading Area Community College
Reading Area Community College (RACC) proudly marked the 20th anniversary of the Schmidt Training and Technology Center (STTC) with a landmark evening celebrating innovation, workforce development, and the future of manufacturing. The event, part of the prestigious Schmidt Innovation Series, welcomed internationally recognized entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec as the keynote speaker.
The evening honored the extraordinary legacy of Rolf Schmidt, whose vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped shape Berks County’s manufacturing landscape and RACC’s enduring mission. Arriving in America in 1957 with just $12 and a dream, Schmidt went on to build multiple successful companies and became a driving force behind workforce innovation in the region.
“Rolf Schmidt’s story is the embodiment of what we believe at RACC — that innovation, resilience, and opportunity can transform lives and entire communities,” said Tony DeMarco, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation for RACC and the Miller Center for the Arts. “Tonight is not just a celebration of the past 20 years — it is a declaration of where we are going. We are building the workforce of the future, right here in Berks County.”
The Schmidt Training and Technology Center has spent two decades delivering highly customized, industry-driven training programs that directly support regional manufacturers. With 90% of its students being incumbent workers sponsored by their employers, STTC has become a cornerstone of economic development — helping companies remain competitive while advancing careers across the region.
“RACC is deeply proud to serve as a catalyst for opportunity, innovation, and workforce development in Berks County,” said Dr. Susan Looney, President of Reading Area Community College. “The Schmidt Training and Technology Center represents the very best of what we do — partnering with industry, empowering students, and preparing our community for the jobs of today and tomorrow. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on expanding access, strengthening our partnerships, and ensuring that every student has a pathway to success.”
Manufacturing continues to serve as the backbone of Berks County’s economy, accounting for approximately 20% of both GDP and local employment. Through flexible, hands-on training programs and strong partnerships with more than 175 companies, STTC provides practical solutions that address workforce shortages and evolving industry demands.
The event also highlighted RACC’s broader institutional success, including rising enrollment, national recognition for student achievement, and continued investment in student opportunity. Most notably, the college announced a transformational $1 million endowment gift supporting the Reading High School to RACC Opportunity Scholarship Program — further expanding access to higher education and workforce pathways.
A dynamic program brought together students, business leaders, and innovators, including a live “Berks County Shark Tank” competition featuring local industry executives and aspiring student entrepreneurs. The event underscored RACC’s commitment to bridging education and real-world opportunity.
The evening culminated with keynote speaker Robert Herjavec, whose own journey — from immigrating with his family and overcoming adversity to building a $200 million technology enterprise — mirrored the entrepreneurial spirit of Rolf Schmidt. Herjavec shared insights on innovation, cybersecurity, and the rapidly evolving future of manufacturing, inspiring attendees to embrace change and opportunity.
“Robert Herjavec represents the next chapter of the Schmidt Innovation Series,” DeMarco added. “His story, like Rolf’s, reminds us that the future belongs to those who are willing to take risks, adapt, and lead. That is exactly what we are preparing our students and our region to do.”
As RACC celebrates this milestone, the college reaffirms its role as a critical driver of economic growth, talent development, and innovation in Berks County and beyond.
About Reading Area Community College
Reading Area Community College serves more than 8,500 students annually and is a leading provider of academic, technical, and workforce training programs in Berks County. With a strong focus on student success and community impact, RACC prepares graduates to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce.
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