The Chester County Economic Development Council has been recognized with an award from the International Economic Development Council. The agency has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Level Award in the Post-Secondary Education Partnership category.
Specifically, the economic development council was recognized for its Project RECONNECT, a cross-county program that supports students whose post-secondary educations have been interrupted.
Project RECONNECT was selected for the award from a field of international applicants for its comprehensive approach to helping students achieve their post-secondary educational goals while strengthening the local workforce pipeline, according to a release.
“We know that removing barriers to educational completion is one of the most effective investments we can make in our economic future,” said Mike Grigalonis, president & COO, Chester County Economic Development Council. “Project RECONNECT has helped over 100 individuals complete their degree or certificate, which serves to strengthen our entire regional economy with a skilled workforce our businesses need to thrive.”
In presenting the award, the International Economic Development Council said the Chester County-based agency is leading the field of excellence in economic development with Project RECONNECT, said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO.
“This award shines a spotlight on the Chester County Economic Development Council’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” Ohle said in a statement. “IEDC is honored to present this award to the Chester County Economic Development Council to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.”
Project RECONNECT was launched in June 2023 to assist students from Berks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties by providing the financial assistance they need to complete their unfinished degrees.
The program provides targeted financial support and wraparound services to individuals within one year of completing a degree or certificate program but face barriers to graduation. Support provided to program participants includes:
• Financial assistance for tuition gaps and educational expenses.
• Child care support to help parent-students maintain their studies.
• Transportation assistance to ensure reliable access to classes and training.
• Support for unpaid tuition balances that can block degree completion.
• Additional wraparound services tailored to individual student needs.
Building on this recent international recognition, the economic development council has plans to expand Project RECONNECT’s reach and to explore additional partnerships with regional employers, according to the release. The agency is also sharing its program model with other economic development organizations interested in implementing similar initiatives.
Project RECONNECT was created by the Chester County Economic Development Council in conjunction with the Workforce Development Boards of Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.
The Chester County Economic Development Council will receive its award during the IEDC’s annual conference in September. During the conference, the economic development council will have the opportunity to present Project RECONNECT as a case study for economic developers from around the world, the agency said.
The International Economic Development Council is a nonprofit, membership organization serving economic developers. The organization’s Excellence Awards recognize programs that demonstrate innovation, measurable impact and replicable best practices, the release stated.
