THE WORLD IS CHANGING
AND OUR STUDENTS NEED US
Throughout the last two decades, more and more visionary leaders have been making significant investments in the future of Berks County. To capitalize on the technological, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities unfolding daily, we must equip our youth with the skills they need to thrive in these environments.
Science Research Institute at Albright College empowers young people to boldly innovate within a supportive system that encourages perseverance, connection, and creativity. It is poised to inspire an entire generation to excel in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) disciplines with its powerful methodology and unique student-driven model.
With your help, we can ensure the spark of innovation stays ignited and nurture those who will carry the torch of progress forward: our children.
“SRI has helped me to think deeply about the things that I care about.”
— High School Senior Researching Chronic Trauma Encephalopathy (CTE)
INNOVATION ON THE HORIZON FOR READING, PA
- Ben Franklin Technology Partners
- Berks LaunchBox, Powered by Penn State
- Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health-West Reading Campus
- GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
- Hospitality Development
- JumpStart Incubator
- Proposed Passenger Rail between Reading and Philadelphia
- Teleflex Battery Research Center
- Reading Science Center
- Sustainable Energy Fund
“Science Research Institute is one of the most exciting projects driving the reinvention of Berks County as a hub of innovation and creativity.”
UNIQUE PARTNERSHIPS &
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
Currently, more than 100+ organizations nationwide partner with Science Research Institute, spanning businesses, scientific industry groups, higher education, professional organizations and foundations. These strategic partnerships supply Science Research Institute with the equipment, expertise and materials it needs to provide exceptional learning experiences.
Further demonstrating its mission to uncover the genius that resides in every child, Science Research Institute has partnered with several existing local entities on some exciting projects:
- Spearheading the Schuylkill Watershed Research Team with Berks Nature
- Futures in Medicine Team with the Berks County Medical Society
- Total Experience Learning Academy with Reading School District (RSD)
- One World Summer Programming experience with Berks Nature and RSD
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Planning Committee with Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
- Career Ready Berks Steering Committee with Berks County Intermediate Unit
“Now I understand there’s science all around us.”
ALBRIGHT COLLEGE & SCIENCE RESEARCH
INSTITUTE A PERFECT SYNERGY
As the oldest college in Reading, Pa., Albright College has provided a steady pipeline to our workforce of innovators and entrepreneurs since its inception. Albright College has also long demonstrated a commitment to the sciences, with seven distinct programs for students to choose from.
Today, that commitment is deeply intertwined with the college’s promise to enhance Reading’s reputation as an innovation center while simultaneously closing the gap on education for all students of academic promise.
In alignment with these goals, Science Research Institute expanded to the Albright College campus in February 2020. The expansion was a natural progression; Albright College students have served as interns and mentors to the program’s middle and high school students since Science Research Institute’s inception in 2015.
In 2020, Albright College enhanced its dual enrollment program, allowing 11th - 12th grade students to earn college credit for their participation in Science Research Institute, when accompanying it with a college course. Getting a taste of a sophisticated collegiate environment while still in high school prepares students for success in higher education and prompts them to envision themselves as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
Science Research Institute at Albright College is now embarking on a new journey to provide students from across the nation with powerful, transformational learning experiences — right here in Berks County.
“In reality, progress is made by groups of people who are helping each other to learn and grow — as scientists and as people. It was wonderful to experience that process firsthand and to play a role in the growth of students.”
THE ROAD AHEAD
FORECASTING THE FUTURE
By 2030, Albright College and Science Research Institute aim to cultivate a national reputation for closing the gap on education for all students of academic promise, regardless of their socioeconomic status or cultural background. Together, their programs and philosophies will:
- Replicate Science Research Institute programming across the state, particularly in areas with the potential to tap into under-developed talent, spur innovation, and increase economic development
- Prepare students to have a significant competitive advantage as they pursue higher education and enter the workforce
- Protect and promote students’ innovative discoveries thus enabling them to move their discoveries into the business world
- Enhance professional development initiatives and provide ongoing support for educators and administrators
- Provide a first-hand look at college life and expand academic opportunities for local and national students
Because Science Research Institute is still in the beginning stages of its journey towards structure, scale and sustainability, interested individuals and organizations have a rare opportunity to become an integral part of its mission and vision while simultaneously fueling the revitalization efforts of an entire community.
“An innovative spirit and creative genius does reside in every child. Our vision for Albright Science Research Institute is that all children in Berks County and beyond have the opportunities for that spirit and that genius to take root and thrive.”
Built with Shorthand