Jackson Public Schools highlights Project Search and internships to transition scholars with disabilities into work

Jackson Public Schools presented a year-round transition program and internship pipeline for scholars with significant cognitive disabilities, highlighting Project Search and local employer partnerships that offer hands-on work experience, employability skills and independent-living instruction.

Project Search partnership: District staff described Project Search as a collaboration facilitated by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services that places eligible students in real-work settings while providing job coaches and career-readiness instruction. A JPS intern introduced himself: "My name is Scotty Jones. I'm a Project Search intern, world class," he said during remarks to the board.

Program design: The 36-week program begins with a three-week orientation where instructors identify essential skills and customize supports. Interns rotate through three 10-week workstations chosen to match skills and interests. Instructors and job coaches teach daily living skills, budgeting, workplace communication, interview preparation and safety. Administration said internships operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with worksites including St. Dominic's Hospital, Milwaukee Tools, and the Mississippi Division of Medicaid as examples of placement sites.

Benefits and eligibility: District staff said the program treats interns as team members and focuses on employability and independence. Eligibility requires students to have completed K-12, show a strong desire to work, demonstrate basic communication and self-care skills, maintain attendance, and meet safety expectations. The district described coaching and employer feedback as key to interns success: a supervisor at St. Dominic's reported interns have been paired with skilled staff and supported to perform environmental services, food and nutrition, and supply-chain tasks.

Administration characterized Project Search and related transition services as vital pathways to meaningful employment and independence for participating scholars, with board members and parents expressing gratitude for the supports. The administration said ongoing identification and referral of eligible seniors will continue, and staff will provide updates on placements and outcomes.