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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

DWD, Kalahari Resorts Celebrate Graduation of Seven Local Project SEARCH Interns

Project SEARCH Program Prepares Young Adults with Disabilities for Rewarding Careers

Project SEARCH graduate Skyler McGowan, right, with MARC Job Coach Nicole Harper, left

WISCONSIN DELLS – From the arcade to the laundry room, Project SEARCH interns at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions gained valuable skills through rotational work experiences. One intern, Skyler McGowan, worked in the kitchen, the laundry area, and the bakery, which he enjoyed the most. During his experience in the bakery, Skyler created his own bakery item: Skyguy's Surprise.

"My dream to be a chef is nice, because it's going to be fun," Skyler shared. "Working in the bakery inspired me to become a chef and open my own restaurant."

The graduation ceremony at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions on Thursday, June 1, in Wisconsin Dells, marked the completion of a nine- to 12-month immersive work experience. The interns recounted their hands-on experiences and talked about their future career opportunities.

"The seven Project SEARCH interns who graduated today at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions are among almost 200 Wisconsinites who are graduating this program year and entering Wisconsin's workforce with in-demand skills," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. "More employers across Wisconsin are tapping Wisconsin's diverse and talented pool of career seekers and finding some of the most loyal, motivated and skilled workers available."

In addition to the host site, the local internship experience was made possible by partners including the Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Cooperative Educational Service Agency 5, TMG Wisconsin, Inclusa, MARC, and Lutheran Social Services. Statewide, 28 premier employers are participating in Project SEARCH this year.

Project SEARCH is a collaborative effort among state vocational rehabilitation agencies, area schools, local employers, and long-term care organizations to help interns acquire marketable, competitive, and transferable skills that lead to employment. The interns complete multiple 10-week rotations to maximize exposure to different career paths and learn employability skills in a classroom and hands-on job skills within the business environment.

Started at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in 1996, Project SEARCH has provided workforce training to approximately 1,500 Wisconsin residents since its statewide launch in 2008. For more, visit Project SEARCH Wisconsin.

Seven interns graduated from the Project SEARCH site at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.