Nicole Majeski (above), secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, recently helped celebrate the seventh class of “Project SEARCH” graduates.
[Above photo by Delaware DOT]
Project SEARCH provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills to help youths with disabilities make successful transitions from school to productive adult life.
The program involves an extensive period of training and career exploration, innovative adaptations, long-term job coaching and continuous feedback from teachers, skills trainers and employers.
The Project SEARCH interns participated for an entire school year with Delaware DOT; transitioning into different positions throughout the agency every 12 weeks to experience various job duties.
“Earning a paycheck is something many of us take for granted. Seeing these students learn new skills and contribute across the department is not only rewarding for them, but to all the employees who work alongside these students every day,” said Majeski in a statement; noting that 71 students have now completed the state’s Project SEARCH program to date; going on to find meaningful employment both with Delaware DOT and other local businesses.
The program is made possible through a partnership between Delaware DOT, Autism Delaware, Community Integrated Services, Caesar Rodney School District, the Delaware Department of Labor, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, and Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Project SEARCH is a national program that began at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 1996 and has grown to over 600 program sites across the United States and Europe. To learn more about Project SEARCH visit https://www.projectsearch.us/.
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