Adam Bean works with Project Search, a program that finds potential careers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
By Gary Weckselblatt
A 2022 graduate of Quakertown Community High School has been named Intern of the Month for Project Search, a nine-month internship program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that targets individuals whose goal is competitive employment.
In Bucks County, Project Search is a collaboration of Bucks County government, the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, and the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. The county provides business opportunities while the IU has instructors and job skills trainers for the interns. The state organization helps create an employment goal and transition from intern to employee.
“It’s been a great program, and I’m really excited about the success our interns are having,” said David Fox, a Project Search skills trainer. He said it’s encouraging to watch the reaction of people outside the program when they see the talent of the interns. “It’s been really great to see the perception change as other people see what we’ve experienced for a long time,” he said. “Our interns blow their perceptions out of the water.”
Adam Bean, the QCHS grad, is one of those success stories. A recent Intern of the Month for his work with the county’s Board of Assessment, Adam performed data entry tasks, filing permits for pools, decks and fencing. Asked for his reaction to winning the monthly prize. “It makes me feel happy,” he said.
As interns have three jobs they must apply for during the nine-month program, Adam is currently working with the Register of Wills, where he has scanned more than 2000 marriage certificates into the data base. He plans to apply next for a job in the Bucks County Justice Center, working in the office of prothonatary or clerk of courts.
“Adam’s attention to detail translates to the work environment,” Mr. Fox said. “Adam is the youngest intern but one of the most talented.” He cited his work ethic, quick thinking and focus for the success he’s had. “It takes amazing concentration to do the things Adam does,” Mr. Fox said. “It’s been a privilege to have Adam here.”
Rebekah Pinto, a Project Search instructor, has been Adam’s teacher since kindergarten. “It’s been tremendous just to see Adam grow and knowing how well he has done,” she said. “It’s really amazing to see how far he has come.”
Adam recently accomplished one of his goals, which was to attain a driver’s license. “I’m proud to see the want for himself to drive and the goals he has for the future,” Ms. Pinto said.
In QCSD, Adam attended Pfaff, Trumbauersville, Strayer and Quakertown Community High School. He remembers the starting and ending dates for his time at each school. Two of his favorite recollections are Earth and Oceanic Science class with Richard Batz, and teamwork in gym class with Joseph Rodriguez. “He was my teacher for all four years,” Adam said.
The teachers excitedly recall Adam’s time in their class.
“Adam was brilliant,” Mr. Batz said. “He knew everything about earthquakes, when they happened, where they happened, injuries, fatalities. Anything you needed to know about earthquakes he knew it. He was always more than happy to talk to the class about some of the different earthquakes from around the world. Adam was always a fun and caring student. He was constantly connecting different concepts together and asking questions to gain more knowledge. His curiosity and desire to learn more about things he was passionate about was remarkable and inspiring.”
Mr. Rodriguez said “Adam was the ultimate teammate. Seeing Adam's enthusiasm and work ethic everyday in the gym was inspiring to me and many others during his time here. I learned a lot from Adam working with him in class and seeing him progress to the confident young man he is today. Adam is truly someone I will never forget.”
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529- 2028 or [email protected].