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Sedgwick County recognizes Project SEARCH graduates; program highlights internships and hiring successes
Summary
The county honored five Project SEARCH graduates who completed internships across county departments and partner employers. Officials highlighted the program’s high employment rate for participants and encouraged businesses to participate in a virtual reverse job fair ending May 2.
Sedgwick County commissioners on April 23 recognized the year’s Project SEARCH graduates—students with intellectual or developmental disabilities who completed worksite internships in county departments and partner employers.
Jeanette and program staff introduced five graduates: Bailey Means (Sedgwick County custodial/print shop/jail facilities), Ezzy Gonzalez (print shop, grounds, hospital food service), Fabian Quesada (Martin Interconnect/print shop), Ashton Chesser (hospital distribution/respiratory care/facilities) and Skyler Drum (hospital distribution/lab and Goodwill retail). Program staff said the internships help participants narrow employment interests and gain job skills.
Commissioners and staff praised the program’s outcomes. Commissioner Howe said Project SEARCH helps participants gain meaningful employment and called the internships “real and relevant.” The program’s presenters told the board that a large share of Project SEARCH participants find paid employment after graduation; program materials provided to the board said Sedgwick County has hired multiple graduates and that many remain employed.
Organizers noted a virtual reverse job fair for interns will be open through May 2; the event allows employers to view interns’ job skills and make hiring matches. The county also said it will host a reception for graduates and acknowledged teacher Chris Nichols, who is retiring after six years with the program.
The board voted to receive and file the recognition.
