Lincoln Park Schools celebrates first graduates of uplifting Project SEARCH
Students and administrators celebrate recent Project SEARCH graduates.
Lincoln Park Public Schools recently celebrated the graduation of its first students enrolled in Project SEARCH, which is part of a partnership with Corewell Health Trenton to provide on-the-job internships for adult students ages 18 to 26 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Project SEARCH offers students the opportunity to gain real-world skills in food service, marketing, sales, custodial services and more that can be applied to numerous fields.
The primary objective of Project SEARCH, based at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, is to secure competitive employment for every program participant.
“Our Project SEARCH graduates have embraced the opportunity to explore careers that suit their passions and developed on-the-job skills that will directly apply to the careers of their choice,” said Nicole Chubb, LPPS Executive Director of Special Education.
“These first Project SEARCH graduates have overcome the challenges they faced in school and are now ready for opportunities that match their unique talents and abilities.”
Students Eli Carpenter, Luke March, Daniel Muratalla and Paul Werth represented Lincoln Park’s first Project SEARCH graduating class. The students graduated during a ceremony held June 5 at the auditorium at Corewell Health Trenton Hospital.
Future is bright
All four graduates have either found work or are interviewing for numerous positions within Corewell Health Trenton.
March has secured a job in the hospital’s Environmental Services Department as a floor attendant, and Werth in the hospital’s Emergency Department as a department support aide.
Carpenter and Muratalla are still interviewing for numerous positions that match their passions and skill sets.
“It’s a thrill to see this program take shape and start to translate into our students getting hired for jobs,” said Robyn Castle, LPPS Special Education Supervisor.
“We are so grateful to Corewell Health Trenton for partnering with LPPS to help us offer this outstanding program so we can help all Railsplitters prepare for careers, regardless of learning or other challenges.”
“I’d like to personally congratulate these amazing students on their hard work and success, and wish them the very best as they prepare for the workforce,” said Terry Dangerfield, Lincoln Park Public Schools superintendent.
“This innovative program is the latest example of our district’s commitment to serving the unique needs of our Railsplitters and preparing all students for careers and bright futures.”
