Project RECONNECT Launches Career Summit to Bridge Education and Employment in Southeastern Pennsylvania

ProjectRECONNECTL ro R: CCEDC's Bethanie Emery with Project RECONNECT students Sheila Adams and Hannah Harvey. /Submitted Image, Photo by CCEDC

EXTON, PA —  Project RECONNECT organized the “People.Connected Career Summit” on April 29 at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern, PA. This event, a collaboration between the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and the Workforce Development Boards of Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties, offered a unique platform for students to hone essential workplace skills through micro workshops and networking opportunities.

The summit featured sessions on vital professional skills such as effective communication, professionalism, body language awareness, the art of inquiry, and trust-building. These workshops were designed not only to impart knowledge but also to provide a practical framework for applying these skills in real-world settings.

Patti VanCleave, CCEDC Vice President of Workforce Development, emphasized the program’s objective to remove educational barriers and equip students with the necessary tools and connections for successful careers. The initiative underscores a growing recognition of the gaps between academic achievements and workforce readiness, addressing these challenges through tailored support and training.

Bethanie Emery, CCEDC’s Lead Navigator for Project RECONNECT, highlighted the program’s comprehensive approach, noting the personalized guidance provided to each student. From enrollment through program completion, students are assigned a Success Navigator, ensuring sustained support and coaching tailored to their career aspirations.

The summit served as a pivotal opportunity for students to engage directly with potential employers, including CCIU, Devereux, Haven Behavioral Hospital, and others, fostering connections that could lead to future employment. This interaction is critical in a job market that increasingly values not just academic credentials but also soft skills and professional adaptability.

One notable success story from the program is a graduate who recently completed her nursing certification at Penn State University Berks and has begun her career as a nurse. With 45% of enrolled students pursuing healthcare education, this example highlights the program’s role in addressing critical skill shortages in the region’s healthcare sector.

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Since its inception in June 2023, Project RECONNECT has seen significant participation, with 109 students enrolled and 13 already graduated. The program offers financial assistance for various expenses, facilitating access to education across several institutions. This initiative represents a pioneering effort funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, aimed at closing the gap between education and employment.

The People.Connected Career Summit marks an important milestone in this endeavor, showcasing the potential of collaborative efforts to empower the workforce of tomorrow. By providing a bridge between educational attainment and career success, Project RECONNECT and its partners are setting a precedent for workforce development initiatives, promising to make a meaningful impact on the economic landscape of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

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