O'Pake Fellows Program
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We are a catalyst for regional economic development and a driving force enhancing student experiential learning.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ is developing a new, innovative model of higher education that mutually benefits students and businesses alike. The O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship is Alvernia’s transformational engine for changing the model and execution of higher education. O’Pake is contributing by creating public and private partnerships that develop a talent pipeline needed to aid business growth in the region.
 

Clients Served

 300+

Projects Completed

 250+

Students Impacted

 100+

In This Section

O'Pake Institute

O'Pake Institute
Â鶹ÊÓƵ the O'Pake Institute
Read a brief history of the organization and get to know the team.
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O'Pake Institute Patent
Services
Interested in becoming an O'Pake client?
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O'Pake Bees Honey Label
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.
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Jonathan Scaccia PubTrawlr SPARK Business Incubator
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.
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Triiilax Patent O'Pake Institute Technology Transfer Office
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.
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O'Pake Institute National Science Foundation EPIIC Grant
Community Development
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O'Pake fellows collegetowne reading
Economic Development
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O'Pake Blog: Pottsville
Impact
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"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

Recent News

O’Pake Institute Director of Student Services Katie Hestor, Alvernia Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives, Rodney S. Ridley, Sr., Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent for the Diocese of Allentown Karen Rolston, John Paul II Center Principal Kaylee Simcik, John Paul II Center Transitions Program Coordinator Rene Berkhammer
Alvernia O’Pake fosters workforce development innovation with John Paul II Center
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Commencement Ceremony at Santander Arena
Alvernia announces plans for spring 2025 commencement ceremony
Hunger Free Campus Grant Clare's Cupboard
Alvernia receives Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus grant
Tec Centro Berks and O'Pake Institute Partnership
Alvernia’s O'Pake Institute and Tec Centro Berks empower Latine entrepreneurs through new partnership