David Mekeel: Shopping event helps RACC students preparing for careers

David Mekeel, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read

Apr. 13—A group of Reading Area Community College graduates got a little help preparing for their future careers thanks to a special event.

The Foundation for RACC, Truist Financial and Boscov's hosted an "I Am Career Ready" shopping event at the Boscov's store in Exeter Township on Monday evening. During the event, Boscov's employees helped about 40 graduates pick out professional clothing for an upcoming internship or new career at no cost to the graduates.

The event was made possible by a $15,000 grant from the Truist Foundation and an additional 10% toward the purchases provided by Boscov's.

"Truist is proud to partner with Reading Area Community College and Boscov's in helping their students prepare for the next step in life," Truist President David Roland said in a statement. "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."

Jim Boscov, CEO of Boscov's, said he is thrilled to help recent graduates get ready for the workforce.

"We're delighted to partner with Reading Area Community College and help launch the careers of so many outstanding students," he said. "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."

Foundation for RACC executive director Tony DeMarco said the event is a great example of local organizations working together. And, he said, it will give graduates an important boost as they start their careers.

"As RACC graduates, they have the training to be successful in the workplace," he said. "And thanks to this grant, they will now have the professional attire to complement their skills."