St. Benedict Education Center provides instruction, job readiness and job search services, community service opportunities, employer contacts and job placement follow-up to approximately 675 participants a year. Intense focus is directed at moving participants into the work force in order to improve the lives of families.

Special emphasis is placed on work ethics, motivational techniques, communication skills, attitude and behavior, grooming and dress, time and stress management, problem solving techniques, resume preparation, interviewing skills and employer expectations. Participants often come with multiple challenges to successful employment. Therefore, the professional staff also assist program participants in managing issues such as transportation, child care, clothing and housing.

SBEC administers EARN (Employment Advancement Retention Network), a state-contracted program funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and operated in partnership with the Northwest Pennsylvania JobConnect. Participant referrals come from the County Assistance Office, and all participants are families.

Specialized training and support services are provided to refugees with additional emphasis on English language acquisition. Current participants come from countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, Somalia, Iraq, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Ethiopia and the Central African Republic.

SBEC serves the communities of Erie, Crawford, Venango, Warren, Clarion and Forest counties.