News

These stories celebrate the achievements of program participants and partners throughout the network of Project SEARCH sites. We are inspired and motivated by these examples of young people finding fulfillment, learning new skills, and getting good jobs; new programs starting up; and awards received for innovative approaches and excellent outcomes.

Project SEARCH in the News

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Apr 18

APSE Award for Project SEARCH Host Business, Summit, NJ

Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center received the Employer of the Year Award from the New Jersey chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (NJ APSE) during the Facing the Future 26 Conference on transition and employment.

Overlook Named ‘Employer of the Year’ by NJ APSE

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Apr 18

Pilot Study of Autism-focused Program, Seattle, WA

Project SEARCH, which is designed to improve the job prospects of people with developmental disabilities, launched a pilot study of an autism-focused approach at three sites on the East Coast in 2016 and expanded to the University of Washington in 2017.

Differences can be a part of their skills’: Pilot program at UW offers on-the-job training for young adults with autism

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Apr 18

Connecticut Senator Calls for Project SEARCH Expansion, Farmington, CT

The leader of a group serving people with intellectual disabilities in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley told Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. and other legislators about their internship program that, so far, has developed about 20 motivated workers, all of whom have gotten jobs at competitive wages.

A Promising Jobs Program Cries Out For Expansion

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Mar 18

Project SEARCH Graduate Achieves Childhood Dream, Cherry Hill, NJ

This program graduate found that his dream of working in the train industry came true after his year-long participation in Project SEARCH.

Special Needs Program Project SEARCH Helps a Childhood Dream Come True

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Jan 18

Transition to Work for Students with Intellectual Disabilities, Green Bay, WI

Since the Project SEARCH internship program started three years ago in Green Bay, instructors say they’ve seen leaps and bounds of improvement from their students with intellectual disabilities.

Program helps students with disabilities find jobs

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Dec 17

Project SEARCH Graduate on National TV, Los Angeles, CA

Ben Sunderman joined Steve Harvey to talk about the great success he’s had through Project SEARCH.  Ben started out as a Project SEARCH intern at Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco. After the internship, he then became an employee!

Steve Harvey has a couple of surprises for Ben Sunderman

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Dec 17

Training in the Real World Makes a Difference, La Grange, IL

Students who are chosen to participate in Project SEARCH by Leyden special education teachers complete three internships at AMITA Health Center LaGrange. They are also supported by other community partners: the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education, the Helping Hand Center and Chicago Cook Workforce.

It’s about being in the real world’: Leyden partners with Project SEARCH’

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Oct 17

Tee Off for Project SEARCH Benefits Young Adults with Disabilities, Cincinnati, OH

Fifth Third Bank hosted its 12th annual Tee Off for Project SEARCH golf outing at the City of Mason Golf Center. Over the last 12 years, the golf outing has raised $1.2M for Project SEARCH. This year,2017,  more than 155 golfers participated in the outing and it raised more than $155,000 for the program.

Tee Off for Project SEARCH raised more than $155,000 

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Jun 17

Drexel Autism Institute Celebrates First Graduating Class, Philadelphia, PA

For the students, the day marked a major step toward independence. For their parents and families, it was a moment to be proud. And for the Drexel University staff and their community partners, the June 15 celebration in the SkyView Lounge was a chance to reflect on a successful first year for the Project SEARCH program.

Autism Institute Celebrates First Class of Project SEARCH Graduates

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Jun 17

Celebration of 2017 Graduating Class, Fort Bend, TX

UnitedHealthcare hosted a graduation ceremony recognizing the 2017 Project SEARCH cohorts and marking the successful completion of the students’ 2016-17 internships. The program works in partnership with Fort Bend ISD, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Texas Workforce Solutions, Texana, and Social Motion Skills.

FORT BEND ISD JOINS UNITEDHEALTHCARE IN CELEBRATING 2017 PROJECT SEARCH GRADUATES