The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) has announced Mr. Jim Boscov, Chairman and CEO of Boscov’s Department Store, LLC, and Chairman of Our City Reading, Inc., as the recipient of the 2025 BCIU Outstanding Community Partner Award.
Presented annually, the award recognizes an external partner whose leadership, advocacy, and collaboration significantly advance the mission of the BCIU to serve students, educators, and the broader community. Recipients demonstrate a longstanding commitment to educational advancement, an understanding of the BCIU’s role, and a willingness to devote time, expertise, and resources in support of the organization’s work.
Mr. Boscov exemplifies the highest ideals of this award through decades of respected leadership and dedicated civic engagement. His commitment to civic responsibility, expanding access to opportunity, and championing the revitalization of the Greater Reading area is evident in both his professional accomplishments and personal advocacy. Under his leadership, Boscov’s has remained a cornerstone of the regional economy while fostering a culture of community investment. Through Our City Reading, Inc., he has led neighborhood revitalization efforts and created public-private partnerships that have improved the quality of life and expanded opportunities for countless families.
His impact extends deeply into the educational landscape of Berks County. Most notably, he partnered with the BCIU on the Helping Harvest Annex project, home to the newest BCIU Learning Center, featuring two Head Start classrooms, an outdoor play area, and instructional facilities for early learners. His collaboration has also supported the BCIU in exploring additional service locations to advance long-term goals for innovation, efficiency, and public access.
“Mr. Boscov exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding community partner,” said Dr. Jill M. Hackman, BCIU Executive Director. “His vision, compassion, and leadership have created lasting change in our community. By supporting early education and community revitalization, Mr. Boscov created opportunities that will benefit thousands of children and families for generations to come. We are proud to recognize his tremendous contributions.”
The BCIU congratulates Mr. Boscov on this well-deserved honor and extends sincere gratitude for his visionary leadership, valued partnership, and lasting legacy of service to Berks County.
About the Berks County Intermediate Unit
The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) serves as the premier educational services provider in Berks County and across the Commonwealth. Our mission is to provide high-quality resources, innovative services and programs, and responsible leadership to enrich the educational and social services needs of our children, families, schools, and the greater community.
