Berks County colleges are set to receive more than $70,000 in state funding as part of a broader $1.7 million investment aimed at combating sexual violence on college campuses across Pennsylvania.
The funding, announced by the Shapiro Administration through the third round of the “It’s On Us PA” initiative, will support education, awareness, and survivor-focused programs at colleges and universities statewide. In Berks County, Alvernia University and Kutztown University were among 43 institutions selected to receive grants.
According to state officials, Alvernia University will receive $30,490 to support campus programs that provide survivor resources and education on sexual assault awareness. Kutztown University will receive $40,000 to fund initiatives focused on educating students about consent, increasing awareness of reporting options, and expanding campus-wide prevention efforts.
State Rep. Manuel Guzman said the funding will help strengthen campus safety and provide critical resources for students.
“Students deserve safe campuses and access to the resources they need,” Guzman said. “This funding will help Alvernia and Kutztown provide critical education, help support survivors, and create safer communities across our county.”
The “It’s On Us PA” campaign is part of a national effort originally launched to address sexual assault through education, prevention, and community engagement. The initiative brings together educators, students, families, and community leaders to raise awareness, promote consent education, and encourage bystander intervention.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe emphasized the importance of these efforts, particularly for students navigating independence on college campuses.
“Healthy relationships and violence prevention require safe communities where people of all backgrounds and communities know that resources and help are available when they have questions and when they are in crisis,” Rowe said. “The It’s On Us PA campaign challenges all of us to confront the problem of sexual violence directly through awareness, prevention and support services for survivors.”
Across the state, funding will be used to expand awareness campaigns, provide training, and enhance access to resources for survivors. Since 2023, the Shapiro Administration has invested nearly $5 million in Pennsylvania colleges and universities through the initiative.
Guzman said the local funding will play a key role in strengthening support systems for students in Berks County.
“These programs are critical to empowering students and strengthening safety measures on our campuses,” he said. “I’m proud to support these initiatives that will make a meaningful impact in the lives of college students.”