2. News Room

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 31, 2019
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
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DWD Officials Recognize Project SEARCH Graduates in Green Bay and Oshkosh

GREEN BAY/OSHKOSH – Officials from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today recognized the latest classes of Project SEARCH graduates from two Project SEARCH sites, Ascension Mercy Medical in Oshkosh, and St. Vincent and Bellin Hospitals in Green Bay, which operate a Project SEARCH program jointly. In total, twenty young adults with disabilities graduated from the program which has a 95 percent graduation rate and an 88 percent employment rate for those who graduate.

DWD Secretary Caleb Frostman delivered remarks at the event at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, while DWD Assistant Deputy Secretary Danielle Williams spoke at the event held at Mercy Medical in Oshkosh.

"Wisconsin is a national leader when it comes to operating Project SEARCH, but that success isn't possible without the dedicated sites and partner agencies, and the commitment of skilled individuals with disabilities who position themselves for a life of financial independence by graduating from the program," DWD Secretary Caleb Frostman said. "Congratulations to the graduates, and many thanks to all involved in the success of these individuals, including the dedicated Division of Vocational Rehabilitation staff who provide program support."

Project SEARCH is a business led collaboration that enables youth and young adults with disabilities to gain and maintain employment through training and career exploration in a hands-on work environment.

"Today was my first experience attending and speaking at a Project SEARCH graduation and I was moved by the power of the program and the lasting impact that it will have on the graduates, their families and their communities," DWD Assistant Deputy Secretary Williams said.

The cornerstone of the program is total immersion in a business environment. DWD's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation staff, teachers, and business human resource staff collaborate to screen and select Project SEARCH interns. The interns report five days a week to the business and learn employability skills in a classroom and hands-on job skills within the business environment. Participants complete multiple 10-week rotations to maximize their exposure to different career paths.

For more information on Project SEARCH, please visit DWD's Project SEARCH webpage.