Re-enrolling in post-secondary education can be challenging for students, especially after having withdrawn from school due to hardship. Project RECONNECT is a one-of-a-kind program designed to remove most, if not all, financial barriers and provide a pathway to successful completion of the student's desired field of study.

Use the interest form below to receive more information, and find out if you qualify. Awardees will receive a comprehensive support services assessment and work one-on-one with helpful experts to address pressing personal/educational needs. This new program was created by the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), and in conjunction with the Chester, Montgomery and Berks County Workforce Development Boards.

Space is limited to a select number of applicants.

Students, education providers or businesses may submit interest forms below. 

• Some post-secondary education but no certificate/degree
• Withdrawn from school in the last 2 years
• A GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Less than one year of classes remaining
• Priority given to students pursuing health care occupations (Other programs evaluated based on state priorities)
• Resident of Pennsylvania (with specific focus in Chester, Berks and Montgomery Counties)

• Comprehensive needs assessment with CCEDC staff
• Outstanding tuition balance remediation
• Child care costs while in school
• Transportation needs to and from school
• Tuition costs for remaining classes
• Books/Lab Fees
• Career advisement upon program completion

• I am interested in applying.  What do I do now?  Complete the student interest form below.
• May I live out of the state of PA and receive grant funding?  This grant is specific to PA and only PA residents attending PA post-secondary institutions may receive this funding.
• Do I have to complete a degree program to be eligible?  This grant covers any post-secondary program from a certificate up to and including a bachelor’s degree.
• Do I have to be in a particular field of study to qualify?  All applicants must be seeking higher education that qualifies the students for a position in a PA High Priority Occupation or In Demand Occupation.
• Will all eligible applicants receive the funding they request?  Available funds will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

This program is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and is funded in part by the Chester County Work Force Development Board and Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

For program funding details in compliance with the Stevens Amendment, please visit https://dlt.ri.gov/wds/program-funding/