Chester Education Foundation

“You can do it and you are not alone” is the message we hope that everyone who connects with Chester Education Foundation feels, whether they are a student, community member or a colleague from another Delco organization.

Located in the heart of “Overtown” in the city of Chester, CEF is best known for the 36-year-old Success Training and Employment Program (STEP), which includes paid summer and school-year internships, academic, college access and career readiness support for high school students. A second workforce development program, Blueprint for Success serves 18-24 year old youth. Since 1989, Chester Education Foundation (CEF) has empowered more than 7,000 high school students and young adults to achieve academically as they prepare for meaningful careers by providing programs that build literacy, workplace, and social-emotional skills.  STEP participants graduate from high school on-time and achieve college enrollment or full-time employment at a much higher rate than non-participants. During the coming year, CEF expects that STEP internships will add about $257,000 to the local economy.  

CEF is also the facilitator of the award winning Delaware County Communities That Care Network (CTC), a prevention collaborative that began in 1995 and continues to meet monthly to promote the work of local non-profit organizations and to encourage evidence-based practices and collaboration. With more than 500 subscribers, the monthly CTC Newsletter highlights upcoming community events, new programs and resources throughout Delaware County.

In 2023, CEF was chosen by the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey as one of two Delco organizations to become a member of the Digital Navigator Network (DNN). The goal of the DNN is to connect residents with free or low-cost broadband, digital devices and digital skills classes. At the onset of the pandemic, CEF distributed more than 200 Chromebooks to community residents. Thanks to generous equipment donations of 429 devices from T-Mobile, Comcast, Republic Bank, United Way and PCs for People, we have been able to continue distributing free digital devices to participants who complete classes and earn certificates from NorthStar Digital Skills Training.

This year, CEF launched the Delco Resources Directory website (delcoresources.org) and opened the Community Resource Hub, where a certified Community Health Worker (CHW)/Navigator will assist community residents to identify their needs; develop a plan to achieve their goals; and connect to a network of service providers, again delivering the message, “You can do it and you are not alone.”