Project SEARCH

🌟 Model Fidelity Monday: #5 – The Program Leads to Acquisition of Competitive Skills 🌟

A key component of Model Fidelity #5 is helping interns build skills intentionally, one layer at a time. Interns first develop essential workplace skills such as attendance, communication, professionalism, problem-solving, and teamwork. As those skills become stronger, they can learn more complex job tasks and take on greater responsibility within each of their internships.

Each internship should provide opportunities for interns to not only learn new tasks but also build upon skills mastered in previous internships. Whether an intern is learning inventory management, customer service, data entry, food service, or another job function, the goal is to continually layer skills and increase independence, quality, and productivity over time. Project SEARCH internships are designed to help interns acquire competitive, marketable, and transferable skills that prepare them for employment beyond the program year.

📣 Call to Action for Project SEARCH Teams:
This week, look at the tasks interns are learning in their current internships. How are those tasks building upon skills they've already mastered? Identify opportunities to intentionally layer skills and challenge interns to take the next step in their growth.

The member portal is an essential tool for us to track the success of Project SEARCH and provide you with new and innovative resources for your programming. Having the most up-to-date information is critical for us to deliver on our promise of competitive employment for all interns.
For most programs your interns should be well into their first internships. If you haven't done so yet, log into the member portal and update the first internship for each intern.
If you need help, don't despair! Reach out to your Program Specialist for support.

🌟 Model Fidelity Monday: #4 - The Program is Business Focused 🌟

Being business focused is about more than where interns spend their day. It is about ensuring that every internship experience helps interns build the competitive, marketable, and transferable skills they need for employment success. Project SEARCH internships are intentionally designed to provide real workplace experiences where interns can learn new tasks, increase independence, strengthen communication skills, and develop the confidence needed for competitive employment. These experiences happen in authentic business settings and are guided by managers, mentors, and workplace teams who support skill growth every step of the way.

When interns are immersed in the business environment, they gain exposure to workplace expectations, learn industry standards, and practice skills that can transfer to future employment opportunities. Every internship is an opportunity to build on previous successes, expand skill sets, and move closer to achieving employment goals.

📣 Project SEARCH Teams:
Take time this week to reflect on the skills interns are developing in each internship. Are the experiences providing opportunities to learn new, marketable skills? Are interns being challenged to grow and demonstrate increasing independence? Consider how you can enhance internship experiences to maximize skill development and prepare interns for successful employment outcomes.

💙 Strong internships build strong skills, and strong skills lead to successful careers.

This month we’re excited to celebrate Mikale! After graduating from Project SEARCH in 2026, Mikale was hired as a Lead Dishwasher at GSU Lakeside Dining. Mikale completed his final rotation at Lakeside, where his dedication and strong work ethic made such an impression that the manager wanted to hire him!
Nominate your alumni to be the next Alumni of the Month to be celebrated just like Mikale!
Email [email protected] with your contact information and the alum you’d like to nominate.
We love celebrating the achievements and success of our alumni!
Special thanks to Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) for supporting the Project SEARCH Alumni Association and helping us share stories like Mikale’s!

📋 September Steering Committee Meeting Reminder

As your Project SEARCH team kicks off the new program year, your September Steering Committee meeting is the perfect opportunity to review intern progress and ensure supports are in place for success.

Consider discussing these key agenda topics:

✅ Who's employed/who's not?
Tip: Review employment status for graduates and celebrate successes. Identify trends or barriers affecting those who are still seeking employment.

✅ Plan for those who are unemployed
Tip: Create individualized action steps for each job seeker. Consider employer outreach opportunities, job development strategies, transportation needs, and additional skill-building supports.

✅ Intern check-ins: Any concerns so far?
Tip: Discuss attendance, workplace readiness, internship fit, support needs, and early successes. Address small concerns now before they become larger challenges later in the year.

💡 Steering Committees are most effective when every partner comes prepared to share updates, problem-solve collaboratively, and keep employment outcomes at the center of the conversation.

What topic is always on your September Steering Committee agenda? Share in the comments!

Upcoming trainings for September

If you're new to Project SEARCH, make sure that you register for Intro and Planning Part 1 and 2 on September 15th and 17th! Both trainings will be held live on Zoom at 10 AM EST. To register, log in to the Project SEARCH Member Portal and go to the Calendar Tab.

www.projectsearch.us

📌 Model Fidelity Monday #3

Strong partnerships are at the heart of every successful Project SEARCH program.

Model fidelity means building and maintaining a collaborative team that includes: ⭐ Education
⭐ Vocational Rehabilitation
⭐ Community Rehabilitation Providers
⭐ Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services Agencies
⭐ Interns' families
⭐ Workforce Investment Boards (where available)

Each partner plays a vital role in creating meaningful opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting interns as they prepare for competitive integrated employment. When everyone brings their expertise to the table, interns benefit from a coordinated approach that sets them up for long-term success.

💡 Call to Action: Project SEARCH teams, take inventory of your partnerships this month. Who is actively engaged? Who might need a stronger voice at the table? Reach out, reconnect, and strengthen your collaboration to ensure every intern has the support they need to thrive.

Model Fidelity Monday: #2

A successful Project SEARCH program starts with selecting interns who are a strong match for the model. Model Fidelity #2 reminds us that Project SEARCH is designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who can benefit from personalized support through an intensive year of career exploration and internship experiences.

Thoughtful recruitment and selection processes help ensure interns are ready to engage in the program, develop workplace skills, and work toward competitive integrated employment.

💡 Team Challenge: Review your recruitment and selection process. Does it help identify candidates who will benefit most from the Project SEARCH experience while maintaining equitable access and opportunity?