Chester Education Foundation

Building Community Since 1989! “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.

Chester Education Foundation’s goal is to promote community revitalization through strategic partnerships in education, youth and workforce development, and college access. Since 1989, 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. 

Our programs include:

Success Training and Employment Program (STEP)

STEP includes paid summer and school-year internships, academic, college access and career readiness support for high school students. 

• Serves 16-18 year old youth

• Students earn $15/hour for working in the internship program

• Participants graduate from high school on-time and achieve college enrollment/full-time employment at a much higher rate than non-participants

• STEP internships add about $250,000 to the local economy

Blueprint for Success

This program provides out-of-school youth with a structured and supportive environment to pursue their educational and career goals.

• Serves 18-24 year old youth. 

• Provide program participants with intensive, culturally relevant services

• Assist youth in discovering and pursuing career pathways, education, and training in in-demand fields that will significantly improve their socio-economic trajectory

BOOST

BOOST is a leadership program for middle school & high school students in the Chester Upland Community. 

• Incorporates evidence-based prevention programs such as lifeskills, financial literacy, and digital literacy 

• Monthly cultural/college field trips, community partner led workshops, and student chosen enrichment activities 

Communities that Care Network (CTC)

CEF is the facilitator of the award winning Delaware County Communities That Care Network (CTC), a prevention collaborative that began in 1995. 

• Meets monthly to promote the work of local non-profit organizations and to encourage evidence-based practices and collaboration 

• With more than 900 subscribers, the monthly CTC Newsletter highlights upcoming community events, new programs and resources throughout Delaware County

Digital Navigator Network (DNN)

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). 

• Connects residents with low-cost broadband, digital devices and digital skills classes.

• At the onset of the pandemic, CEF distributed more than 200 Chromebooks to community residents. 

• CEF continues to distribute free digital devices to participants who complete classes and earn digital skills training certificates

Delco Resource Online Directory and Community Resource Hub (CRH)

In 2025, CEF launched the Delco Resources Directory website (delcoresources.org) and opened the Community Resource Hub located in CEF’s office in Chester.

• CRH staffed by a certified Community Health Worker/Navigator and licensed social worker 

• Assists community residents to identify their needs, develop a plan to achieve their goals, and connect to a network of service providers

• Delco Resources lists over 600 human services organizations serving Delaware County residents