Board hears regional Project Search program for post‑18 students with disabilities
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Summary
Caroline County heard a presentation on Project Search, a one‑year transition program in partnership with DARS and Kalahari, offering internship rotations for students with disabilities and aiming for competitive employment; the board asked about capacity, selection and funding.
Caroline County Public Schools heard from Matthew Luther of the Division of Rehabilitative Services about Project Search, a one‑year transition and internship program for students with significant disabilities.
Luther described Project Search as a nine‑month transition program that provides three internship rotations, hands‑on job training and supported pathways to competitive integrated employment. The program serves students ages 18–22 and is targeted at students currently on applied studies diplomas. “By the end of the year we talk about competitive employment in the community,” Luther said.
The district showed a four‑minute video illustrating hospital‑based internships (housekeeping, supply management, sterile processing, pharmacy and other roles) and included student testimonials. A student in the video said, “I love working here,” and instructors described trainees gaining routines and workplace skills.
Board members asked logistics and capacity questions. One board member asked whether the slide’s stated 8–12 students was per school or the total; Luther and district staff clarified the program would accommodate 12 total participants in the regional partnership, and a memorandum of understanding would define selection and division allocations. Superintendent Dr. Sarah Calverick said she champions the idea and noted the district expects an $18,000 training fee to be divided among three participating divisions (Caroline, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg City) if all participate.
Staff described typical outcomes from long‑running Project Search sites: host employers commonly hire several participants at the internship’s end, and other partners place additional students regionally. The district will continue to develop an MOU and present implementation details in future meetings.
Next steps: staff will work with DARS and regional partners to finalize selection processes, MOUs and timelines and will provide cost and slot‑allocation details to the board.
