Soltesz Interns Lead Pro Bono Effort to Enhance Safety for Scotland AME Zion Church Community

Rockville, MD – [September 17, 2024] – This summer, the interns from Soltesz, embarked on a meaningful pro bono project to support the Scotland AME Zion Church in Potomac, Maryland and its surrounding community. The interns worked closely with church representatives, Soltesz engineers, and Soltesz landscape architects to address a critical safety issue: the need for a safe pedestrian pathway from the Scotland community down Seven Locks Road to the church.

The project, spearheaded by interns from all three of Soltesz's offices, involved identifying the problem, researching potential solutions, and ultimately proposing two viable options. These proposals were formally presented to key stakeholders, including the church and eventually at a formal presentation at the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) office.

Graham, one of the interns who played a significant role in the project, shared his thoughts on the experience: "As an intern at Soltesz, I was given the opportunity to draft this proposal alongside my fellow interns and Anaija Head, a landscape architect at Soltesz. It was incredibly rewarding to contribute to something so meaningful, especially as an intern. The guidance and support I received from Soltesz’s project managers were invaluable, allowing us to create well-researched and viable solutions that received positive feedback from both the church and MCDOT."

During the final presentation, Christopher Conklin, Director of MCDOT, expressed his admiration for the interns' work, and that he was impressed by the thoroughness and creativity of the solutions presented. He said their dedication to addressing the community's needs was evident. Conklin also provided the interns with valuable feedback and ideas for when they work on future projects, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and community-focused solutions. He confirmed that MCDOT will continue working with the Scotland AME Zion Church to advance the project.

The project not only provided the interns with hands-on experience but also showcased Soltesz's commitment to community engagement and public service, even beyond the firm's traditional scope of work. Jim Soltesz, President of Soltesz, praised the interns for their dedication and professionalism: "Our interns demonstrated exceptional skill and initiative in tackling this important project. Their work on the Scotland AME Zion Church pathway exemplifies our firm's dedication to improving the communities we serve. I am proud of their contributions and the positive impact they have made."

The Scotland AME Zion Church Project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of giving back to the community. Bernard Scott of the Scotland AME Zion Church expressed his gratitude for the interns' dedication and the overall efforts of Soltesz in making this project possible. Soltesz is honored to have played a role in this initiative and looks forward to continuing its support for projects that enhance the well-being and safety of local communities.

For more information about Soltesz and its community initiatives, please contact SueAnne Beaumont at sbeaumont@solteszco.com.

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About Soltesz:

Soltesz is a multidisciplinary engineering firm that provides a full range of civil engineering, land planning, and surveying services to public and private clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. With a focus on innovative solutions and community engagement, Soltesz is committed to delivering exceptional results that enhance the communities in which it operates.

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Media contact: SueAnne Beaumont, Soltesz, 301-948-2750, sbeaumont@solteszco.com