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
Ë®¹ûÅÉ O'Pake
Take a dive into what O'Pake is all about, our mission and our vision.
Become a Client
Looking to acquire services through us? Learn about the large variety of services we offer.
Become a Fellow
The O'Pake Fellows Program is a paid, flexible opportunity where students work hands-on with real businesses, entrepreneurs and leaders while building resume experience through their time at Alvernia.
Make an Impact
Wondering how you can support the O'Pake Institute and its students? Learn about our current sponsors.
Anthony Florkowski ’25 MBA ’27, O'Pake Fellow and Graduate Assistant in Finance
I like to think of O’Pake as a place with padded walls, where if you make a mistake, it won’t hurt too much. It’s great preparation for going into the real world.
O'Pake By The Numbers
Clients Served
Projects Complete
Hours of Mentoring
Students Impacted
Ë®¹ûÅÉ the O'Pake Institute
EmpowerED by O'Pake
Services
Project 6â„¢
SPARK Business Incubator
O'Pake Fellows Program
Tanya Melendez, Community Leader
I have been fortunate enough to work with the O’Pake Institute on multiple occasions. They have proven to be innovative, creative, professional, and effective. Throughout, they have provided me constant contact and offered me helpful suggestions.
O'Pake Institute Blog
Community Development
Economic Development
Our Sponsors
Meet the O'Pake Team
John Dever
Lizette Epps MBA, CUDE, CNP, AWA
Fabiola Flores
Winifred Gutierrez MBA
Katie Hestor
Caitlin Long Ph.D., PA-C
Recent News
Ë®¹ûÅÉ’s O’Pake Institute launches O’Make Space to expand student innovation and entrepreneurship
Student-driven makerspace expands Spark Business Incubator services while creating hands-on learning opportunities
State awards Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RACP) support for Alvernia’s American House
Funding strengthens community health partnership and expands experiential learning in downtown Reading
Alvernia students develop patent-pending nursing education technology, win regional business plan competition
Learn2Inject transforms classroom innovation into award-winning healthcare startup with support from the O'Pake Institute
