Project SEARCH welcomes third cohort of students

GUELPH – The Project SEARCH program at the University of Guelph (U of G) is welcoming its third cohort of students. 

A new class of seven interns began their learning journey on Sept. 24 as they officially signed on to the school-to-work program designed to help students with disabilities develop valuable employment and life skills. 

Project SEARCH is a comprehensive training program for students with disabilities who are entering their final year of high school. 

The program provides participants with employment skills instruction from a dedicated team of educators, along with hands-on work experience geared to in-demand roles in the local labour market. 

The Project SEARCH U of G team (comprised of the Wellington Catholic District School Board, Upper Grand District School Board, University of Guelph and March of Dimes Canada) will provide students with ample support and guidance over the coming months as they complete a variety of in-class learning and internship placements, officials state in a press release.  

Now in its third year, the program has expanded to provide interns with more work opportunities in new departments across the university and with a variety of external partners. 

With employment rates for people with disabilities remaining low (62 per cent according to Statistics Canada), there is a clear need to create more pathways to meaningful employment, officials say.  

Project SEARCH graduates have been very successful in securing employment after graduation in roles that highlight their unique skills and enable them to build connections in their community, officials state.

The continued success of this program and enthusiasm from interns, families, staff and employers is testament to the value of inclusive employment opportunities and the positive impact they have on individuals, workplaces and the broader community, officials continued. 

Last week’s signing ceremony marked the official start to this experience, with the students’ first internship placements beginning in late September.