During a recent government meeting, officials highlighted significant advancements in educational programs aimed at supporting students with developmental disabilities within the Wake County Public School System.

For the 2023-2024 school year, the district plans to expand its school transitions program, which will offer site-based opportunities for 16 interns. This initiative is designed to assist students in achieving their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and facilitate their transition into the workforce. The selection process for interns will involve staff referrals and an application procedure.

Additionally, the meeting showcased Project SEARCH, a one-year school-to-work program tailored for high school students with developmental disabilities who are pursuing a certificate of completion. This program, hosted at Embassy Suites Raleigh Durham RTP in Cary, immerses students in a real workplace environment, allowing them to gain essential employability skills through two to three internships over the academic year. Participants, aged 18 to 22, must have completed all high school requirements to qualify.

Since its inception in the 2019-2020 school year, Project SEARCH has successfully graduated 41 interns, underscoring its effectiveness in providing valuable work experience and contributing to workforce development in the district. The program emphasizes the importance of inclusive employment opportunities, reflecting a strong partnership between Project SEARCH and the Wake County Public School System.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue fostering these initiatives, which aim to enhance the transition from school to productive adult life for students with developmental disabilities.