CEF History Time Line:
1988 -1989
- CEF established in 1988 and incorporated in 1989.
- The first program, STEP (Summer Training and Education Program)
is established as part of a national pilot project through Public
Private Ventures. This 15-month program provides tutoring and
other remedial activities, starting during the summer before entry
into high school, for high-risk students. The goal of the program is to
motivate students to complete their high school education.
1991
- STEP-UP Mentoring Program - Provides mentors and group activities
to augment STEP program activities.
1993
- JPG Program (Jobs for Pennsylvania Graduates) - Provides a job
preparation/co-op experience for 11th and 12th grade students not
planning on a post-secondary education.
1993
- Chester Educational Task Force - CEF becomes the facilitator for the
task force, which is a partnership between local churches (Churches
Against Narcotics) and eleven area colleges and universities. Its
purpose is to show students how to approach colleges and how to
access the financial and academic supports that each college provides.
- CEF hosts first Holiday Basket Packing Party to distribute 25 baskets.
1994
- PAC (Pennsylvania Careers) - STEP becomes a four- year program as
a result of the recognition that students regressed during
interruptions in supportive services. Students come into the program
during the summer before 9th grade and stay until graduation from
high school. The program was re-named PAC by the PA Dept. of
Education.
1995
- Communities that Care (CTC) launched- This proactive program
offers early supports to minimize risk and enhance the protective
factors that contribute to academic success, starting at the third
grade level.
1996
- PAC program evolves into the CEF Comprehensive School-to-Career
Program.
- PDE designates CEF as the facilitator of the state’s only JAG program.
- CEF is asked by CUSD to manage the Chester High Health Academy.
- CEF establishes first Healthy Futures, day-long health career
workshops for middle school students.
1997
- Chester becomes the second Pennsylvania Weed and Seed site with
CEF as managing consultant for this community revitalization
project.
- Fun-on-Wheels summer recreation program launched
1998
- CEF moves to new offices at Community Hospital
- CEF awarded $300,000 for Middle School programs. Tutoring,
martial arts, swimming and band programs start in all middle schools.
- CEF/CTC coordinates CUSD Field Day
- Weed and Seed Child-care Committee is established.
- Community Policing Sub-station opens at Community Hospital
through Weed and Seed grant
- CEF hosts Human Service Conference for CTC Network
1999
- Chester Work First, welfare-to-work project begins
- CEF begins publishing Summer Calendar
- Technology Committee is established.
- Through partnership with Philadelphia Development Partnership, the
Chester Microenterprise Center opens in downtown Chester
2000
- Social Work Consultation Services (SWCS) is launched with Widener
University’s Center for Social Work Education. SW graduate students
begin providing direct services to clients and capacity building
services.
- Through a partnership with America’s Promise and the United Way of
SEPA, the First Youth Summit is held at Chester High School. Youth
Council is established.
- SKILLS program begins through a grant from PCCD and the
Governor’s Partnership for Safe Children.
- Chester Job Fair is co-hosted by CEF with over 600 participants.
- CEF co-hosts People Speak Conference.
- CEF awarded WIA Year-round Youth Contract.
2001
- CEF sponsors Chester Week at Junior Achievement Exchange City
- Functional Family Therapy program begins
- At the start of its 2nd year of operation, SWCS moves to new suite of
offices on the 2nd floor.
- CEF receives funding to equip a second computer lab for community
education.
- CEF initiates Non-profit Capacity building workshops with LaSalle
NMDC
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