College and technical training program students have limited time to apply for financial support to complete their unfinished degree, certification or training program through Project RECONNECT, according to the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC).

“This program ends after the spring semester that starts in just a few weeks, and we have just under 40 slots left for students who may have been pursuing training in health care, technology, education and more,” said Bethanie Emery, CCEDC’s Lead Navigator for the initiative. “Working together, we can provide the tuition students need to re-enroll, with the support services required to help them, including transportation and childcare, as well as food and housing assistance.”

CCEDC is administering the first-of-its-kind, cross-county collaboration and invites students from southeastern Pennsylvania that have faced unforeseen challenges in completing their education to apply here as soon as possible so they can enroll for in-person and online programs that may start as soon as this winter. Project RECONNECT funds can assist any students pursuing high-priority occupations in the state of PA, especially career pathways in healthcare fields.

“I’m very grateful for what Project RECONNECT has been able to do for me in terms of putting me on the path toward getting my teaching certification,” said Spencer D., who studied education at Delaware County Community College and graduated this month. “I struggled financially and haven’t had the means to put myself back into school, but they’ve given me that opportunity.”

Since the program launched on June 1, 2023, CCEDC has enrolled 63 students, seven of whom graduated as of this month. The students are enrolled in schools including Chestnut Hill College, Delaware County Community College, Harcum College, Montgomery County Community College, Peirce College, Penn State University, West Chester University, and more.

“Project RECONNECT helps students eliminate the barriers to finishing their credential or degree and thereby bolsters the workforce in the industries that need it most,” said Patti VanCleave, CCEDC Vice President of Workforce Development. “This program has the potential to really change a student’s future.”

Students must have disengaged from their post-secondary education programs in the past two years, have a GPA of 2.0, and less than one year left for a certification credential, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Each student will be assigned a Success Navigator who provides a safety net and coaching from day one through completion of credentials, ensuring participation, support, and career development to obtain employment. Once the student’s learning program is completed, CCEDC will connect them with employers as well as workforce development programs like PA CareerLink and CCEDC’s Health Care Connect and Hire One programs to ensure they are career-ready.

The Chester County Workforce Development Board is the fiscal agent for the Project RECONNECT grant awarded to the Workforce Development Boards of Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Learn more at the Chester County Economic Development Council.

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