GUELPH – The first class of the University of Guelph’s (U of G) Project SEARCH program graduated June 25.
The team, comprised of the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), Upper Grand District School Board, U of G and March of Dimes Canada joined together to celebrate the seven interns graduating from the inaugural program.
Project SEARCH is a school-to-work training program for students with disabilities who are entering their final year of high school.
It provides participants with employment skills and instruction from a dedicated team of WCDSB and March of Dimes educators, along with hands-on work experience geared to in-demand roles in the local labour market.
Since September, the interns have each completed more than 700 hours of work at U of G, gaining experience in various departments including the bookstore, Athletic Centre, physical resources, computing and communication, radio, hospitality, childcare, student health services, and the Ontario Veterinary College small animal clinic.
Two interns secured full-time employment at the University of Guelph as a result of the skills they developed and demonstrated over the past several months.
“Following an incredibly successful inaugural year for interns and program staff, Project SEARCH will return in the fall, welcoming a new class of interns in September,” officials state.
