We could not be prouder to share that our own Paul Barth, Manager of Student Programs at CIS, is the recipient of the 2026 Erin Riehle Community Impact Award from Project SEARCH.

This is an incredible and deeply deserved achievement for Paul. The Community Impact award is given to just one individual in the entire country whose leadership and actions best reflect the spirit and legacy of Project SEARCH founder Erin Riehle and the mission of Project SEARCH. Paul was chosen among just a handful of finalists from around the nation, and the award honors the exceptional impact of his work advancing inclusive employment and expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

In the words of one of Paul’s colleagues, “Paul is Project SEARCH in Philadelphia,” which speaks to just how instrumental he has been to the city’s SEARCH programs over the past decade. Paul helped develop CIS’s first SEARCH program at Drexel University in 2016. Since then, he’s guided over 80 interns in the transition from school to employment, and helped launch three additional SEARCH programs in Philadelphia over the last decade.

“He is the epitome of the word dedication,” said Jane Cordero, former Special Education Specialist at the School District of Philadelphia and longtime collaborator on Project SEARCH. “He’s knowledgeable about everything, and is the link to the students from before the SEARCH program even starts until they’re into their jobs and becoming successful community members.”

Congratulations to Paul on this incredible honor. It’s a testament to the way his work in Philadelphia is setting a new standard for similar programs around the country, and we are so proud to see his impact recognized on a national scale.