Reading, PA – The Foundation for RACC, Truist and Boscov’s hosted an “I am Career Ready” shopping event for 2022 Reading Area Community College graduates on Monday, April 11 at the Boscov's Exeter store.

The event was made possible by a $15,000 grant from the Truist Foundation; with Boscov’s adding an additional 10% toward the purchase of professional attire for RACC 2022 graduates entering the workforce.

“Truist is proud to partner with Reading Area Community College and Boscov’s in helping their students prepare for the next step in life. Our company’s purpose is to ‘Inspire and build better lives and communities’ and this event certainly gave us the opportunity to help fulfill that purpose here in Berks County. Thanks to RACC and Boscov’s for this opportunity and we wish the students all the best in the future!” says Truist Market President David Roland.

Boscov's employees helped students select clothing for an upcoming internship or new career at no cost to the graduates. Most graduates received up to $250 worth of clothing and accessories. 

“We’re delighted to partner with Reading Area Community College and help launch the careers of so many outstanding students.  We thank Truist for the investment they have made in the graduates and in our community. We are pleased and excited to help outfit these hard working students as they enter the workforce,” says CEO of Boscov’s Department Stores, Jim Boscov.

Additionally, Truist Bank representatives were on site to share money management tips with the graduates. 

“This is a wonderful collaboration between three leading Berks County organizations. Last fall, Dave Roland and I were exploring ways to best maximize the benefits of this grant, and after discussing with Jim Boscov, the “I am Career Ready” shopping event was born. As RACC graduates, they have the training to be successful in the workplace, and thanks to this grant, they will now have the professional attire to complement their skills,” says Foundation for RACC Executive Director Tony DeMarco.

To learn more about the Foundation for RACC, please contact foundation@racc.edu or 610-607-6239.