O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
We are a catalyst for regional economic development and a driving force enhancing student experiential learning. Alvernia's innovative model of higher education mutually benefits students and businesses alike. The O’Pake Institute is Alvernia’s transformational engine for changing the model and execution of higher education, creating public and private partnerships that develop a talent pipeline needed to aid business growth in the region.
Getting Started
O'Pake By The Numbers
Clients Served
Projects Complete
Hours of Mentoring
Students Impacted
Â鶹ÊÓƵ the O'Pake Institute
Read a brief history of the organization and get to know the team.
Services
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Experiential Learning
O’Pake provides high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ with the ability to work hands-on with entrepreneurs, small businesses, regional partners, and faculty in a truly unique manner.
SPARK Business Incubator
SPARK provides start-up companies with a supportive environment to learn, grow and thrive. Its goal is to mentor and advise incubator companies so that they can hit their critical milestone and take their businesses to the next level.
Technology Transfer Office
The O’Pake Institute’s technology transfer office (TTO) allows businesses in Berks County and beyond to save time and funds on intellectual property (IP) management.
"I have been fortunate enough to work with Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s O’Pake Institute on multiple occasions. From the beginning, they have proven to be innovative, creative, professional, and effective. Throughout, they have provided me constant contact and offered me helpful suggestions." — Tanya Melendez, Community Leader
Â鶹ÊÓƵ breaks ground on American House renovation at Reading CollegeTowne
Renovation will expand healthcare access, experiential learning and inclusive workforce development in downtown Reading
Alvernia’s Rodney Ridley named to City & State Pennsylvania 2026 Black Trailblazers list among other honors
Recognitions and awards highlight continued leadership in economic development, entrepreneurship and innovation
Alvernia renews Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
Recognition affirms 40-hour service requirement, CollegeTowne partnerships and mission-driven impact
University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) features Â鶹ÊÓƵ's O'Pake Institute's in latest thoughtbook
Latest entrepreneurial edition highlights O'Pake Institute's unique student-powered model including Project #6, and the SPARK Business Incubator
