The BCIU’s Preparation for Adult Life (PAL) Program honored four Berks County students during a virtual graduation ceremony on June 1, 2020. The students each received a certificate of completion from the BCIU as well as diplomas from their home school districts.
Christopher Reinhold, Fleetwood Area School District, has been a PAL student since 2018. His favorite workplace activities included wiping tables at the Oley Valley Middle School and cleaning exercise equipment at the Tri-Valley YMCA.
Colin O’Connor, Wilson School District, has been a PAL student since 2018. Colin enjoyed his time working in the BCIU cafeteria, and at the Boyertown Salvation Army and the Oley Valley Middle School.
Jessica Slaybaugh, Daniel Boone Area School District, has been a PAL student since 2017. Jessica’s worksites included the Oley Valley Middle School, the Boyertown Salvation Army, and the Tri-Valley YMCA.
Amanda Williams, Daniel Boone Area School District, has been a PAL student since 2017. Amanda’s favorite worksite tasks included wiping tables and chairs at the Oley Valley Middle School, sorting food donations at the Salvation Army, and cleaning toys in the nursery at the YMCA.
In addition to their worksites, the students enjoyed Friday community trips to places like the Turkey Hill Experience, the Reading Fightin Phils, miniature golf, and more. These trips expose students to new experiences while also helping them develop their social skills.
We congratulate all of our graduates and wish them continued success and happiness as they enter the next chapter of their lives.
About the PAL Program
Located at the Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC), East Campus, the Preparation for Adult Life (PAL) program offers secondary students with special needs a school-based vocational training education. PAL provides job training, community experiences, and the means to achieve independent living for young adults with mental and physical disabilities.
Students in PAL have the opportunity to work within the BCTC itself or within work projects provided by volunteer organizations and other local businesses.
Students receive work experience in various local settings. In addition, the program teaches students: money, time management, and consumer skills; safety and self-reliance; transportation skills; community survival; and adult life skills.