Student Services – Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center

Welcome to the Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center’s School Counseling website!

Counseling Staff

Mrs. Melissa Work
School Counselor, Last Names A-G
mwork@rmctc.org
(610) 921-7312

Mrs. Stephanie Burkart
School Counselor, Last Names H-P
sburkart@rmctc.org
(610) 921- 7311

Mrs. Lindsey Edwards
School Counselor, Last Names Q-Z
ledwards@rmctc.org
(610) 921-7313

Mrs. Sulayka Acevedo
Administrative Assistant for Student Services
sacevedo@rmctc.org
(610) 921- 7310

Student services and counseling programs function to:

Assist all students in assessing and understanding their abilities, aptitudes, interest and educational needs.
Increase student understanding of the educational and career opportunities and requirements.
Help students make the best possible use of these opportunities through the formation and achievement of realistic goals.
Help students attain satisfactory personal-social adjustments.
Provide information useful to RMCTC staff, parents and community in planning and evaluating the School’s total program.
Provide crisis counseling and referrals.
Help students transition from school to work.
Assist students with post-secondary and continuing educational plans.

Abuse Resources

Berks County Network of Care- Domestic Violence
Information and resources about domestic violence.
https://berks.pa.networkofcare.org/veterans/library/article.aspx?hwid=te7721

SafeBerks
Provides free services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services offered: shelter, counseling, legal services, medical advocacy, and financial education.
255 Chestnut Street
Reading, PA 19602
610-373-1206
The 24-hour hotline is 844-789-SAFE (7233), or Text SAFE BERKS to 20121
https://safeberks.org/

OneLove Foundation
One Love Foundation is a national non-profit organization with the goal of ending relationship abuse. We empower young people with the tools and resources they need to see the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and bring life-saving prevention education to their communities.
https://www.joinonelove.org/

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape:
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape is the oldest anti-rape coalition in the United States, working to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and advocating for the rights and needs of victims.
https://pcar.org/

Pennsylvania Office of Victim Services:
https://pcv.pccd.pa.gov/available-services/Pages/Your-Detailed-Rights-As-A-Crime-Victim.aspx

Sex Trafficking:

Interested in applying to RMCTC? Please see the information below!

APPLY TO RMCTC

High School Application & Admission Requirements

Who May Apply to Attend RMCTC?

Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who reside in the Muhlenberg or Reading School Districts may apply to attend RMCTC. Students must complete the RMCTC application process to be considered for admission. Students may obtain an RMCTC application on the RMCTC website, or by contacting the RMCTC Student Services Office at 610.921-7310. Students must complete the online application as the first step in the application process. For high school students who are not enrolled at Muhlenberg or Reading high schools (students who are home-schooled, attending private school or parochial school, etc.), they may print the application from this website and submit it to their school counselor.

How is Admission Granted?

Enrollment at RMCTC is limited. Therefore, each applicant is evaluated based on the information provided in the application, including the student’s academic records. More detailed information can be viewed at the attached LINK. The most qualified applicants will be granted admission until all openings in that program are filled. The remaining applicants are then placed on a waiting list for potential placement as openings occur in those programs.

Application Deadline!

Since there are a limited number of openings each year, students should have their application on file at RMCTC by the third Friday in December for the next school year. Applications submitted after Wave 1 of application submission will be considered on a space available basis.

Questions?: Please call 610-921-7310.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The ASVAB helps the Department of Defense not just determine if you are a good fit to join the service, but also which service branch you might be best for and even what military jobs you can hold after you finish basic training or boot camp. The better your ASVAB score, the broader your options.

How to Prepare for the ASVAB:

As with any test, how well you do depends in large part upon how well you prepare. To study effectively for the ASVAB, you really need to begin studying at least two months, if not more, before you plan to take the test.

Here are some basic steps to take:

Find a comfortable, quiet area to study.
Gather paper, pens and pencils, a calculator and other tools.
Make a basic study schedule.

You can start preparing by taking our ASVAB practice tests. Click HERE for practice tests.

These tests will give you an idea of how you’ll score and identify areas for improvement.

As you get ready to take the ASVAB test, you will need to spend time studying. Remember, the higher your ASVAB score, the more job options you have for your military career, including an array of special pay and bonuses.

What’s the best way to study for the ASVAB? Start by taking a practice test to set a baseline score and understand the portions of the test that might be extra challenging for you.

Find a quiet place to study, gather the tools you need and set a study schedule for yourself. You can take ASVAB practice tests on Military.com and learn more about ASVAB study tips.

Where Can I Take the ASVAB?

It depends on which version of the ASVAB you intend to take. You can take the test at a nearby high school (the student ASVAB) or arrange to take it through a local recruiter (the Military Entrance Test-site ASVAB or CAT-ASVAB).

**Both Reading and Muhlenberg School Districts offer the ASVAB, as well. Ask your high school counselor for more information if interested.**

Please find more information on the ASVAB HERE.

Absence Procedures

RMCTC recognizes that regular attendance and punctuality are vital to achievement. The educational program provided by RMCTC is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. Attendance is required for students enrolled in programs at RMCTC during the days and hours that the center is in session and governed by state law.

Absences will be considered unlawful until the school receives a written excuse signed by a parent/guardian for the absence. RMCTC and the home school require separate written notes for each absence. Therefore, a student needs two excuse notes when absent; one for RMCTC and one for the home school.
Written excuses MUST be submitted within three (3) school days to be considered valid. If an acceptable written excuse is not submitted within three (3) days, the absence becomes “unlawful” for students under the age of 18 and “unexcused” for those students 18 and older. Excuse notes submitted via email are permitted.
Absences of three (3) or more consecutive school days require a physician’s excuse.
After ten (10) cumulative absences, whether unlawful, unexcused or excused solely by a parental note, an excuse from a physician is required. If a physician’s note is not received, the day(s) will be considered unlawful or unexcused.
Family educational trips are governed and approved by the sponsoring district. The student must provide a copy of the approved educational trip form, signed by the student’s principal, to RMCTC. Once the approval form is received, the days will be excused.
In order to provide parents with information about their child’s attendance record, RMCTC will send a letter at several intervals. Parents will receive a letter when their child has reached five (5) days, ten (10) days, fifteen (15) days, and forty (40) days absent. This letter also includes a detailed summary of the child’s absence noting whether or not they’ve been excused.
Parents will receive a letter when their child has reached three (3) unexcused absences. This letter informs parents that after every subsequent six (6) unexcused absences, they will receive a truancy fine.
Should your child’s attendance reach six (6) unexcused absences, in accordance with sponsoring district policy, you will be invited to a School Attendance Improvement Conference.

9/10th Grade:

Develop good habits:
- Work hard to earn good grades
- Study
- Do your homework
- Attend school and all classes on a regular basis
  - Turn in excuse blanks within 3 days when absent
- Keep track of your assignments and stay organized
- Ask for help when you need it
- Think ahead to your future and set goals
- Keep your behavior in check; no discipline referrals
- Get involved in extracurricular activities
- Stay out of peer drama
- Get enough sleep (8-10 hours per night)
- If you become aware of something concerning, immediately tell an adult
Research careers using resources such as O*NET, BigFuture, CareerOneStop, Occupational Outlook Handbook, My Next Move, Learn How to Become, and Education Planner.
RHS students– consider taking the ASVAB, held in the spring
- The ASVAB is also offered in 11th and 12th grade for RHS and MHS students

11th Grade:

Maintain good habits (listed above under 9/10th Grade)
Continue researching careers (use the resources above under 9/10th Grade)
Take the PSAT in October at your home school
If you are considering attending a postsecondary school, attend the Berks County Regional College Fair; typically during an evening in October at Albright College
If you are considering attending a 4-year college/university, register to take the SAT or ACT in the spring (**if you receive free or reduced lunch, you are eligible to receive a fee waiver; see your counselor at your home school for the fee waiver**)
- Visit postsecondary schools you are considering (check with your home school a few weeks in advance to find out if these visits can be counted as an “educational trip” for attendance purposes, if you need to miss school for them)
- If you are considering playing a college-level sport with the NCAA, make a profile page (Division III), or certification account (Division I or II; if you receive free or reduced lunch, you are eligible for a fee waiver from NCAA; ask your school counselor at your home school for the fee waiver)
- If you are considering attending a postsecondary school, attend the Spring College Fair at Alvernia University (typically in March; check with your home school to see if they are running a field trip there)
- Start familiarizing yourself with financial aid (ex. FAFSA, PHEAA, etc.)
- Start researching scholarships if you plan on attending postsecondary school
If you are considering the military, get in touch with a recruiter and take the ASVAB at your home school in the fall (RHS) or November (MHS) or at a local recruiting office
Consider getting a part-time job
Create a resume and a draft of a cover letter

12th Grade:

Maintain good habits (listed above under 9/10th Grade)
If you plan on entering the workforce directly from high school:
- Research open positions and their requirements
- Make accounts on different job-searching websites (ex. Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter, etc.)
- Update your resume
- Write a cover letter, if needed
- Make sure you have 3 people you can use as references. Ask permission to use them as a reference first. Do not use family members.
- Practice interviewing skills with someone before your interview
- Proofread your application before submitting it to make sure all information is accurate and spelled correctly
- Make sure you have an open bank account to deposit your paychecks into once you secure a job
If you plan on attending a postsecondary school (trade/technical school, 2-year college, 4-year college):
- Visit the schools you are interested in. Contact the admissions representative for our area, if needed. You can find that information on the “Undergraduate Admissions” part of the college/university’s website.
- Request your FSA ID, then submit your FAFSA, starting in December. Attend a FAFSA Completion Night event at your home school. You can also contact the Hispanic Center of Reading for help, as well.
- If you want to learn more about certain colleges, consider attending the Berks County Regional College Fair; typically during an evening in October at Albright College
- Be aware of application deadlines and requirements!
- Submit your applications on time (**if you are applying through the CommonApp website and receive free or reduced lunch, you can indicate you are eligible for a fee waiver on your CommonApp account**)
  - If you need recommendations from a teacher or counselor, ensure you request those with at least 2 weeks’ notice
  - Make sure you request your transcript from your home school. Applications will not be considered complete without your transcript.
  - If an essay is required, proofread your essay before submitting it
- Take the SAT/ACT, if needed, and send your scores directly to the colleges you are applying to from the College Board website
- If you are planning on playing an NCAA sport, make sure you are registered with the NCAA
- Apply for scholarships. These can be found through your home school, the Berks County Community Foundation, through the “Financial Aid” portion of the websites for the colleges/universities you are applying to, and on national scholarship databases (Fastweb, CollegeBoard, CareerOneStop, Peterson’s, Niche, Going Merry, etc.)
  - Please keep in mind you should never enter credit card information when applying for scholarships, be charged a fee for applying, or need to enter your social security number. Remember there are scams that exist, so if something doesn’t “seem right” to you about a particular scholarship you find, please check with an adult first!
If you plan on enlisting in the military:
- Research the different branches within the military
- Ensure that you have taken the ASVAB either at your home school (fall for RHS or November for MHS) or through a local recruiting office
- Contact a local recruiter to start the process. Ensure you are contacting the military branch you plan to enlist in.

Various resources in our area that offer a wide variety of services:

PA-211
If you need to connect with resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, PA 211 is a great place to start. From help with a utilities bill, to housing assistance, after-school programs for kids, and more, you can dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 to talk with a resource specialist for free.
https://www.pa211.org/

Berks Community Action Program
Provides services to low-income families and individuals, including financial assistance, workforce development, family education, mentoring services, mortgage assistance and other services for those who are financially eligible.
645 Penn Street, 3rd floor
P.O. Box 22
Reading, PA 19601
610-376-6571
https://bcapberks.org/

Centro Hispano Daniel Torres/Hispanic Center of Reading and Berks County
The mission of the Hispanic Center is to support and enhance the acculturation of the Latino population in the Greater Reading area through collaborative initiatives designed to enable individuals to improve their quality of life and the quality of life in their communities.
501 Washington Street
P.O. Box 8652
Reading, PA 19601
610-685-1265
https://www.centrohispano.org/

Heating Assistance/Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx

Olivet Boys and Girls Club
Our programs address the region’s most pressing and immediate youth issues of education support, after school programming, and mentoring – all of which are
provided by caring and knowledgeable staff.
https://www.olivetbgc.org/

The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides programs and services for hungry individuals and families, homeless people, at-risk kids, senior citizens, pregnant and parenting teens, disaster survivors, victims of domestic violence, drug addicts and alcoholics and so much more.
301 S 5th Street
Reading, PA 19602
(610) 373-5208
https://pa.salvationarmy.org/Reading/Programs-and-services

Spike’s Pet Pantry
As part of the efforts of the Healthy Pets Initiative, Spike’s Pet Pantry is making sure that no pet in Berks or Lancaster County ever goes hungry, and that no one ever has to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their pet because they can’t provide basic care. To do that, we make pet food available to every Berks and Lancaster County resident, regardless of income or economic status – if you need food for your pet, we are here to help!
Stop by our Humane Pennsylvania Community Resource Center (CRC) at 1350 Schuylkill Avenue, Reading, PA 19601 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2-6 PM.
https://humanepa.org/services/spikes-pet-pantry/

Xfinity Internet Essentials
Fast, reliable, free — get Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus at no cost when you qualify for and enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials

YMCA of Reading and Berks County
The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages and inspiring action in and across communities.
https://www.ymcarbc.org/

Youth Advocacy Program (YAP)
Youth Advocate Programs— YAP for short— is a national nonprofit advocating for and delivering evidence-based services in homes and communities as a more effective and racially equitable alternative to youth incarceration, congregate child welfare, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities placements, and neighborhood violence.
2851 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605
610-921-9070
https://www.yapinc.org/

Practical “dadvice” for everyday tasks. How-to videos. Useful, practical content to many basic tasks that everyone should know how to do.

https://www.youtube.com/c/DadhowdoI/videos

Drug and Alcohol Assistance

**If your child is struggling with drug or alcohol use, please contact the school’s Student Assistance Program for help**

Berks T.A.S.C. (Treatment Access and Service Center)
Treatment Access and Services Center (TASC), Inc. is a drug and alcohol central intake and treatment referral agency. Operating on a walk-in, first come, first serve basis, TASC provides drug and alcohol clinical assessments to individuals who do not possess private health insurance, or who are publicly funded through Medicaid. Following the clinical assessment, TASC secures funding and placement in the appropriate level of care, namely, detoxification, outpatient, or residential treatment.

19 N. 6th Street
Suite 300
Reading, PA 19601
610-375-4426
http://berkstasc.org/wp/

Caron Foundation- Wernersville location
Provides world-class addiction and behavioral health treatment to young adults, adults, older adults, and families.
243 N. Galen Hall Road
Wernersville, Pennsylvania 19565
1-844-996-3506
https://www.caron.org/locations/caron-pennsylvania

Council On Chemical Abuse (COCA)
Provides outpatient/inpatient addiction resources, prevention education, and recovery support for adults, teens, and families.
50 N 5th St, 5th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-376-8669
https://cocaberks.org/

ECYEH- Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH) is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and is based on the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This federal legislation ensures that homeless children and youth have access to a free, appropriate public education.

Your student may qualify if your family is:

Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar circumstance
In a place not designated as regular housing such as vehicle, park, hotel or campground
In a homeless/domestic violence shelter
Outside of your home without parent (Unaccompanied Youth)
Awaiting foster care

Please contact your child’s high school if you are experiencing homelessness and would like more information about ECYEH.

BCIU’s ECYEH Program

Other Resources

Berks Coalition to End Homelessness
BCEH is a nonprofit that includes over 60 agencies, businesses, and individuals, working toward preventing, reducing, and ending homelessness in Berks County.
610-372-7222
https://bceh.org/

Family Promise of Berks County
Family Promise of Berks County is a nonprofit that partners with local communities and networks of volunteers to provide services to homeless families, youth and individuals facing a housing crisis.
325 N 5th Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-373-3323
https://www.familypromiseofberks.org/rent-utilities/

Hope Rescue Mission
Hope Rescue Mission provides for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the homeless of Berks County. Case managers identify & coordinate support for the wide range of factors that led to each man’s homelessness that include mental health, addiction, legal and financial struggles.
645 North Sixth Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-375-4224
https://www.hopeforreading.org/

Mary’s Shelter
Mary’s Shelter is a multifaceted comprehensive housing and social service agency that addresses pregnancy, parenting and youth homelessness through proactive preventative work, crisis intervention services and stabilization back into the community.
615 Kenhorst Blvd
Reading, PA 19611
610-376-1973
https://marysshelter.org/

Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks provides guidance and creates opportunities for people who want to purchase and maintain their homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities. We offer homebuyer education, counseling, and lending services. We also work throughout the year to empower residents to become leaders.
213 North Fifth Street, Suite 1030, Reading, PA 19601
610-372-8433
https://nhsgb.org/

Opportunity House
Opportunity House provides an emergency shelter that operates year-round and serves men, women, children, and veterans who are homeless, living on the streets, in abandoned buildings, or in cars. Doors are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help those in need. Successful clients stay at the shelter for approximately 30-60 days and meet regularly with their case managers to rebuild purposeful, self-sufficient lives. Their goal is to give them the tools they need to maintain a safe, stable and secure future for themselves.
430 N 2nd Street
Reading, PA
610-374-4696
https://opphouse.org/

Reading Housing Authority
The Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) is a governmental Public Housing Agency that operates several different programs to assist families in Berks County, including public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
1803 Butter Lane, Reading, PA 19606
610-370-0822
https://www.berksha.org/

Berks County Colleges, Universities, and Postsecondary Schools:

Albright College

Alvernia University

Berks Technical Institute

Kutztown University

Penn State Berks

Reading Area Community College (RACC)

Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences

Other educational resources:

Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU)
1111 Commons Blvd
Reading, PA 19605
610-987-2248
https://www.berksiu.org/

Berks County Public Libraries
23 Different Locations throughout Berks County
https://www.berkslibraries.org/

Centro Hispano Daniel Torres/ The Hispanic Center of Reading and Berks
501 Washington St,
Reading, PA 19601
610-685-1265
https://www.centrohispano.org/

Literacy Council of Reading
35 S Dwight Street
West Lawn, PA 19609
610-670-9960
https://lcrb.org/

Virtual Calming Room

https://virtualcalmingroom.net/

This Virtual Calming Room has music and sounds, visual relaxation, exercise and yoga, coloring pages, games and puzzles, and resources to help you feel more calm.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships help make college or career school affordable. The information below is from www.studentaid.gov.

Grants

A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund, or you receive a TEACH Grant and don’t complete your service obligation). A variety of federal grants are available, including:

Pell Grants,
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG),
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, and
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.

Scholarships

Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college or career school. This type of free money, which is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study, can make a real difference in helping you manage your education expenses.

Work-Study Jobs

The Federal Work-Study Program allows you to earn money to pay for school by working part-time. You’ll earn at least the current federal minimum wage. However, you may earn more depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the position. Your total work-study award depends on

when you apply,
your level of financial need, and
your school’s funding level.

Loans

A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. If you apply for financial aid, you may be offered loans as part of your school’s financial aid offer. When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan.

Find more information about loans HERE.

“Types of Federal Student Aid” Video

Check out this video to learn about federal grants, loans, and work-study jobs and how they can help fund your education.

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)

PHEAA is a national provider of financial aid services, serving millions of students and thousands of schools through a variety of student aid programs.

https://www.pheaa.org/

Food Assistance

Helping Harvest:

Provides food bank locations and help securing food assistance.
https://helpingharvest.org/find-food/
Helping Harvest’s mobile market locations:
https://helpingharvest.org/programs-2/mobilemarket-mobiledirect/

At-Risk Snack and Dinner Program

The “At-Risk” Snack and Dinner Program is a federally funded reimbursement program that provides snack or supper meals at no cost. This service is available to programs that offer enrichment and/or education activities for at-risk children and teenagers after the regular school days end. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) supports this program. This is being conducted in collaboration with the Olivet Boys & Girls Clubs of Berks County. The locations for our at-risk snack and dinner program are:

· Clinton Street Club 677 Clinton Street, Reading, PA 19601

· Holy Spirit Reading (Academic Year Only) 421 Windsor, Reading, PA 19601

· Mulberry Street Club 722 Mulberry Street , Reading, PA 19604

· Oakbrook Club 1161 Pershing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611

· PAL Club 325 Walnut Street, Reading, PA 19601

· Pendora Park Club 330 S. 19th Street, Reading, PA 19606

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c93a8c50cf57d21dc9e7f60/t/5fda3896d27b1c7bbd34e302/1608136856281/At-Risk+Snack+Dinner+Flyer.pdf

Spring Valley Food Bank
We partnered with the Greater Berks Food Bank, now Helping Harvest, to serve the residents of Berks County and the students from Albright college each month. Hours of operation are, the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 5:30pm-7:00pm. Also the Saturday following the 3rd Wednesday, 8:00am-10:00am.
Located at the Spring Valley Church of God
2727 Old Pricetown Rd,
Temple, PA 19560

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program

Interest Inventories

Interest Inventories are quizzes you can take which match you to different careers that may suit you. Below are some good interest inventories to try:

College Board’s Big Future Career Quiz:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers

Education Planner Career Clusters Activity:
http://www.educationplanner.org/students/career-planning/find-careers/career-clusters.shtml

Education Planner- Which Career Match Your Skills? Activity
http://www.educationplanner.org/students/career-planning/find-careers/careers.shtml

O*NET Interest Profiler:
https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip

PA Career Zone (you must make a free account first):
https://www.pacareerzone.org/assessments
Look at the Interest Profiler, Skills Profiler, and Quick Assessment

Photo Career Quiz:
https://www.truity.com/test/photo-career-quiz

MnCareers Interest Assessment:
http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/interestAssessment.cfm

National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Exams

Level 3 seniors are required to participate in NOCTI exams during spring of their senior year in order to earn industry certifications at the end of their RMCTC program. The NOCTI exam requires both a written portion (which is an online test) and a skill performance portion (which requires students to demonstrate a variety of skills in front of an evaluator).

Level 2 juniors also take a pre-NOCTI online exam during the spring of their junior year. Their results help guide our teachers’ instruction to best prepare them for the NOCTI exam senior year.

Knight’s Closet (Reading School District only)

The Reading School District has established a Knight’s Closet at each of our school buildings to help students in need, particularly those who are homeless or at risk. Our goal in creating the Knight Closet is to meet students’ basic needs with items such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies. We are hopeful that by fulfilling these needs, students will be able to focus on their education. The district’s social work team works closely with students to ensure they are educated on how to access additional outside resources.

If you are a Reading School District student/family and need assistance with clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, or basic food supplies, please contact the principal, nurse, social worker, or school counselor at your child’s school. Click here to see a list of our schools.

The following are resources (national or local) for LGBTQ individuals and teens:

It Gets Better Project
The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe.
https://itgetsbetter.org/

The Trevor Project
The world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. Text, chat, or call anytime to reach a trained counselor.
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

The Spectrum in Reading
Ever feel like you need a space where you can just be your authentic self? Somewhere free and open, where you will be accepted for who you are — regardless of who you love or how you identify. The Spectrum is a place where you can come as you are. No judgment. No pressure. If you’re a student at Reading High School, join us at The Spectrum to find support, information, friendship, and validation. We’re here every Wednesday at 3:00! While most of the youth identify as LGBTQ+, we also have allies that regularly attend.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-keystone/education/lgbtq-youth-programs/spectrum

Berks Teens Matter
Berks Teens is an initiative of Co-County Wellness Services and a community partner of United Way Berks .
https://cocounty.org/about/berks-teens-matter/

The LGBT Center of Reading
The LGBT Center of Greater Reading creates, administers, and provides services, advocacy, and support to the Greater Reading LGBTQ+ community, including our allies, with the goal that all may live a life of fulfillment, inclusion, and celebration.
https://www.lgbtcenterofreading.com/

Medical Care

Berks Community Health Center
Berks Community Health Center provides high-quality health care to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
4 Locations– Oakbrook, 2nd Street, Penn Street, Rockland
610-988-4838
https://www.berkschc.net/

Co-County Wellness Services
Provides free case case management, HIV medication education; HIV and STD Counseling and Testing; prevention interventions and lead a teen pregnancy prevention initiative Berks Teens Matter.
429 Walnut Street, Reading, PA 19601
610-375-6523
https://cocounty.org/

Community Prevention Partnership
The mission of the Partnership is to make a difference by offering a variety of prevention services to the Berks County community that help to address problems and risks associated with: alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; violence; teen pregnancy; abuse; crime; school dropout; and other related social issues.
200 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19602
610-376-6988
https://communitypreventionpartnership.org/

Medical Assistance
Medical Assistance (MA), also known as Medicaid, pays for health care services for eligible individuals.
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Medical-Assistance.aspx

Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care, and the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With or without insurance, you can always come to us for your health care.
1920 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19604
610-376-8061
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/pennsylvania/reading/19604/susie-and-john-stanley-health-center-at-reading-2725-91410

Mental Health Services in Berks County and Nationally

Holcomb Crisis Hotline:
Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems provides 24/7 free Crisis Intervention for Berks County.
If you have been experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, or if you don’t know what to do or who to turn to, Holcomb can help! Please call.
24/7 Dedicated Crisis Line: 610-379-2007
Toll Free: 1-888-219-3910

ruOK Berks:
Text “ruOK” to 484-816-ruOK (7865)
Other resources, from ruOK Berks: https://ruokberks.com/resources/

Safe 2 Say Something: Safe2SaySomething is a violence prevention program that helps students recognize warning signs and signals from those who may be a threat to themselves or others + say something anonymously
Submit an anonymous tip or learn more at www.safe2saypa.org

988: A Direct Link For Suicide Prevention and Crisis Support

It’s now easier for Pennsylvanians to connect to behavioral or mental health crisis services.
Contacting 988 will connect individuals to 24/7 free and confidential support if they are in distress or in need of prevention and crisis resources for themselves or a loved one. Learn more about 988 in Pennsylvania.

Call or Text 988 to start the conversation

Connect to a counselor via chat

Mental Health Support Line: A 24/7 mental health and crisis support line for people in Pennsylvania dealing with anxiety or other difficult emotions became available. Callers will be able to speak with staff who are trained in trauma-informed principles and will listen, assess the person’s needs, triage, and refer to other local supports and professionals as needed.
The Mental Health Support Line can be reached toll-free, 24/7 at 1-855-284-2494 from anywhere in PA.
It’s a difficult time, and it’s easy to feel alone and cut-off from the world, but we are not alone, and support is available.

Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741-741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454

ParentGuidance.org: A website where you can access free courses led by licensed therapists on more than 50 topics. To access the course, simply navigate to ParentGuidance.org and click “View Courses”.
https://parentguidance.org/

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a college athletic association with more than 1,100 colleges and universities, serving close to 500,000 student-athletes across the country. It consists of three divisions (Division I, II, and III) and offers 24 sports.

The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or II institutions. It reviews the student athlete’s academic record, SAT or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules. If you plan to play a sport at Division I or II level, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Please see the following guidebook from the NCAA for college-bound student athletes:

fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/CBSA.pdf

National Technical Honor Society

All students have the opportunity to be considered for acceptance into the NTHS (National Technical Honor Society). Students meeting the academic and technical standards will be accepted into this organization following an application and review process. Interested students should ask their teacher for an application, or see their RMCTC School Counselor.

What is NTHS?

The National Technical Honor Society is an educational non-profit that exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in Career & Technical Education. As the honor society for Career & Technical Education, NTHS serves over 100,000 active members annually in both secondary and postsecondary chapters across the country.

Since its founding in 1984, nearly 1 million students have become NTHS alumni. NTHS honors the achievements of top CTE students, provides close to $300,000 in scholarships annually, and strives to help connect education and industry to build a highly skilled workforce.

There are both national and chapter requirements that students must meet in order to be inducted into NTHS.

The national criteria include:

STUDENT NTHS CANDIDATES: It is the policy of the Society that each member school establishes and maintains its own candidate membership standards and selection criteria. NTHS members should be good, honest, responsible student-citizens who have made a personal commitment to excellence and who agree to uphold the NTHS Standards of Conduct found below.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Attain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (unweighted).
Be enrolled in a career/technical education program or major.

Additionally..

The chapter criteria (RMCTC’s criteria) include:

3.0 GPA (at both RMCTC and home school)
Excellent attendance
No discipline issues/infractions
Should volunteer 5 hours, but that is not required nationally.

Standards of Conduct

Maintain the highest standard of personal and professional conduct at all times
Strive for excellence in all aspects of education and employment
Engage in community activities

In addition, members of the NTHS agree to uphold their national member standards of conduct:

As a member of the National technical Honor Society, I pledge to:
Maintain the highest standard of personal and professional conduct at all times;
Strive for excellence in all aspects of my education and employment;
Refuse to engage in or condone activities for personal gain at the expense of my fellow students, my school, or my employer;
Support the intents and purposes of NTHS while working to achieve the objectives and goals of the society; and
Uphold my obligations as a citizen of my community and my country.

The Berks County Intermediate Unit’s Pregnant and Parenting Teen Services / Project ELECT (Education Leading to Employment and Career Training)

Their program provides services to both female and male students within our school districts who are pregnant and parenting and pursuing their High School Diploma or GED. The goal of their program is not only to assist teen parents to obtain their diplomas but also to learn effective parenting skills and are encouraged to become more responsible adults and better-informed parents.

The ELECT / Pregnant and Parenting Teens Program provides the following services:

– Individual and group supportive services

– Vocational and career exploration

– Healthcare and nutrition education

– Child development and parenting education

– Childcare and transportation referrals

– Assistance with transition to employment, further education, and training after high school

– Home visitations

– Activities, workshops, and field trips

– GED and academic support

– Budgeting and family planning

– Case management services

– Support services during the summer

Please contact your school counselor if you’d like a referral to the program

Visit their website for more information: https://www.berksiu.org/students-families/k-12-education-student-services/pregnant-parenting-teen-services/

Berks Teens Matter

The purpose of Berks Teens Matter is to work with public and private stakeholders to develop a coordinated plan of sustainable programs and practices that will reduce teen pregnancy through improved education and access, resulting in the long-term well-being of individuals, families and the overall Berks County community.

cocounty.org/about/berks-teens-matter/

www.rmctc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/RMCTC-Comprehensive-Student-Services-Plan-Fall-2018.pdf

What is Safe2Say Something?

Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.

Safe2Say Something is the easiest way to let someone know that there is a problem and let them handle it. The best part is, they will never know who it was that submitted it. It’s that simple.

What types of things should I report?

If it makes you uncomfortable, submit a tip. It will be up to your school to determine what the next steps are. Do you think someone is going to harm themselves? Did you see something scary that concerns you online? Submit this kind of thing.

Here’s how it works:

Submit an anonymous tip report through the Safe2SaySomething system
Crisis center reviews, assesses and processes all submissions
Crisis center sends all submissions to school administration and/or law enforcement for intervention
If needed, crisis center may contact tipster anonymously through the app

Click on the image below to access the Safe2Say website:

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Search Engines

Local Scholarships

Berks County Community Foundation Scholarship Opportunities – various dates
Hagan Scholarship Foundation – deadline 12/1/24
Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation, Inc Scholarship – opens January 2025
Thomas W. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship– applications must be postmarked by Friday, March 28, 2025
Dunkin’ Scholarship – Opens March 2025
Berks County School Facilities Directors Scholarship– deadline April 10, 2025
The Great Allentown Fair Foundation – deadline 7/11/25
Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program
Fleetwood Bank Scholarship – deadline June 12, 2025

PHEAA Scholarship Tips

What is school-based counseling?
School-based outpatient counseling services are offered by both sending districts. School-based counseling is similar to outpatient counseling, except the counseling appointments happen during the school day, in the school building. Insurance is billed, and students must qualify based on their insurance.

Reading School District uses Malvern Community Health Services:
We provide counseling and psychiatric treatment for children and adolescents within their school setting before, during, and after school hours. We currently provide services within school districts in Berks and Montgomery counties.

Our School Based Outpatient Program brings interventions and supports directly to students. This approach increases access to treatment, helps students achieve success in school and at home, strengthens collaboration with families, and improves engagement with the community.

Challenges we specialize in addressing include anxiety, behavioral outbursts, depression, parent-child challenges, peer relationships, stress, trauma, unwanted thoughts and feelings, and more.

These services may include individual, play, group or family therapy. Psychiatric and psychological services are also available.

Muhlenberg School District uses Malvern Community Health Services and Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates.
Below is a message from Malvern Community Health Services:

We provide counseling and psychiatric treatment for children and adolescents within their school setting before, during, and after school hours. We currently provide services within school districts in Berks and Montgomery counties.

Challenges we specialize in addressing include anxiety, behavioral outbursts, depression, parent-child challenges, peer relationships, stress, trauma, unwanted thoughts and feelings, and more.

These services may include individual, play, group or family therapy. Psychiatric and psychological services are also available.

Students/families, if you are interested in pursuing school-based counseling services, please contact the school counseling office at your sending school, or the RMCTC Student Services office, who will be happy to help coordinate with sending districts. Referral forms are only available through sending schools at this time.

What is the Student Assistance Program?

The Reading School District and Muhlenberg School District utilize a Student Assistance Program (SAP) Team to help support students. The SAP team is comprised of specially trained staff members, plus a liaison from the Caron Foundation, and is highly confidential. The purpose of the SAP team is to be a supportive service for students, helping connect them to resources that may help them overcome barriers to learning. Students are referred to the SAP team for a variety of different observable behaviors, which include (but are not limited to): poor attendance, decrease in academic performance, mental health or emotional needs, drug or alcohol support, changes in their behavior, or discipline concerns. Students can be referred by any source, including self-referral, peers, parents, teachers, school staff members, coaches, and community members. One of the most important tasks of a student assistance team is building a partnership with families, focusing on the student’s success as their common goal. Participation in the Student Assistance process is voluntary.

Some of the services offered through SAP include:

behavioral health assessments
student support groups
referrals to in-school support services
referrals to out-of-school support services
parent/guardian partnership

How to Make a SAP Referral

Please see your RMCTC or sending school counselor if you wish to make a referral.

**Please keep in mind, SAP services are NOT to be used during a crisis. If you or your child are in a crisis situation, please call 911. If the child is currently/physically at RMCTC or their home school and you believe they are in crisis, please call their counselor immediately.**

Technical Academy

The Technical Academy provides college-bound students with the opportunity to develop advanced technical skills and earn college credit toward an associate and/or bachelor’s degree while still in high school. The programs in the Academy are highly selective and have strict entrance criteria.

The RMCTC programs in the Technical Academy are:

Engineering & Automation Technology
Information Technology- Applications
Information Technology- Web Design
Early Childhood Education

The Technical Academy provides:

A pathway for developing advanced skills and college credits toward an associate and/or bachelor’s degree while still in high school at no cost!
Students are enrolled at the CTC (Career & Technology Center) and RACC while in high school. Depending on the program selected, students may complete up to six college courses at the CTC during the first and second yearof the program, earning up to 18 college credits. The college credits earned while at the CTC will be tuition free.
All credits earned will appear as completed courses on a college transcript establishing the transferability of these courses.
In the third year of the program, students may take an additional three courses on the RACC Campus, earning up to an additional 12 college credits while in high school (depending on the program selected).
Tuition for the final courses taken on the RACC Campus (while students are still in high school) may be subsidized by the CTC and is dependent on state and federal funding.
Students can enter the workforce at multiple points prior to earning a degree.
Students have the opportunity to earn recognized industry certifications and prepare for jobs that are in high demand.

Student Entrance Requirements for the Technical Academy:

Students must be in grades 10 or 11 to begin a program in the Technical Academy
3.0 overall GPA
Math proficiency
Reading proficiency
A signed Letter of Understanding to attend RACC to earn an associate degree must be on file.
To remain in the program, students must complete a college prep academic sequence throughout high school.
Students must successfully complete RACC placement testing prior to taking the final three courses on the RACC campus.

For additional information or to apply for a Technical Academy program, contact Student Services at 610-921-7311.

Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a collaborative effort by the school, parent/guardian, and business and industry for the training of apprentices and student learners through the following programs:

Job Shadowing

All students at RMCTC exhibiting good work ethics may take advantage of the job shadowing program, which enables the student to see the activities of a typical workday for a specific job.

After expressing interest in a job related to his/her instructional program and completing an off-site training agreement form, the student may spend the day in the business or industry learning the duties and requirements of the position. After the job shadowing experience, the student will have a realistic understanding of the job and will be able to make a more informed career choice.

Clinics

Several instructional areas at RMCTC utilize clinical training as an integral part of the learning process. Clinical work gives the student the opportunity to use the skill learned in his/her instructional area in a “real life” setting, such as a medical care facility. Clinical training for several instructional areas is also accomplished right at RMCTC by providing services to the public. The clinical experience allows the student “live work” in a supervised setting.

Cooperative Education (Co-Op)

Through the Cooperative Education program, senior students who meet the entry-level requirements of the trade/technical area and have demonstrated good work ethics are recommended for this unique plan of education, which is designed to integrate classroom learning with supervised work experience. One objective of the program is to place the student in a position that may lead to permanent employment.