From The Highlands at Wyomissing®
Pictured above, from left to right: Dr. George Gerhart, Gary Rightmire, Amy Reinsel, Brett Krotee, Thomas Minick, Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Kevin P. DeAcosta, Cameron Martin, Barbara Kline, Renee Dietrich, Jack Boyle, and Sue Wachs.
The Highlands at Wyomissing® and Alvernia University have announced a new partnership focused on expanding educational opportunities for Highlands employees and advancing both organizations’ shared commitment to the Berks County community. Through the agreement, Alvernia University 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.
The partnership reflects a shared belief that investing in people strengthens organizations, the local workforce, and the community as a whole. In the program’s first year, two Highlands employees attending Alvernia University each received a $2,000 scholarship from The Highlands and qualified for an additional $2,000 match from Alvernia, providing $4,000 in total scholarship support to each student.
“Strong communities depend on strong partnerships, particularly when it comes to preparing people for the future of work,” said Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “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. 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.”
For The Highlands at Wyomissing, the agreement builds on a longstanding commitment to employee development and lifelong learning. The partnership enhances a successful scholarship initiative established by Highlands’ residents to support employees pursuing educational and career advancement opportunities.
“The Highlands has always believed in investing in people,” said Kevin P. DeAcosta, President and CEO of The Highlands at Wyomissing. “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’ broader employee scholarship program. In 2026, the resident-led Scholarship Committee awarded 26 employee scholarships of $2,000 each to support education at colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools, and certificate programs.
Under the partnership agreement, eligible recipients must be employees of The Highlands at Wyomissing and remain in good academic standing. A committee of Highlands residents and staff selects scholarship recipients, who then complete Alvernia University’s admissions process and meet the scholarship eligibility requirements. Alvernia provides the matching funds after those requirements are satisfied.
By combining scholarship resources with access to higher education, The Highlands at Wyomissing and Alvernia University are creating opportunities for employees to grow while reinforcing both organizations’ commitment to education, workforce development, and community service. The collaboration provides a model for how local nonprofit organizations can align their missions and resources to make a greater collective impact.
About Alvernia University
Founded in 1958, Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university known for its mission-driven, community-engaged education that prepares students for high-impact, high-earning careers. Its SOLAR culture of care supports student success across eastern Pennsylvania through flexible program offerings, including an online presence, and strong partnerships. More than 18,000 Alvernia alumni create a network of ethical leaders and engaged citizens. For more information, visit alvernia.edu.
About The Highlands at Wyomissing
For more than 36 years, The Highlands at Wyomissing® has remained the only nonprofit senior living community in Berks County to offer a Type A life care contract. The Highlands at Wyomissing is a Continuing Care Retirement Community that sets the standard of excellence in retirement living by providing exceptional quality of life, security, and value. The Highlands allows its residents to maintain active lifestyles with peace of mind for the future. This non-profit organization is focused on transforming the senior experience. For more information about The Highlands at Wyomissing, visit thehighlands.org.
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