Five young adults from Sherwood are heading into the workforce with newfound confidence and skills, thanks to a specialized internship program designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program, known as Project SEARCH, recently celebrated the graduation of its participants, marking the end of an intensive nine-month journey of personal and professional growth.
In a partnership that included the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Fidgetech, Sherwood High School, and DCI International, interns were able to rotate through various job roles and hone their skills. According to the program details shared by ODHS, the emphasis was on practical, hands-on training, complemented by classroom instruction focused on communication, self-advocacy, and other vital workplace competencies. Intern Cheroyl conveyed to ODHS her sense of achievement, saying, "I am most proud of never giving up and keep moving forward."
The success of Project SEARCH is reflected not only in the individual growth of the participants but also in their readiness to integrate into the competitive job market. Skill trainers from Fidgetech provided invaluable on-the-job support, while Special Education teacher Doug Luthy from Sherwood High School imparted essential soft skills in his classroom sessions. Jeanna Johnson, Vice President of Fidgetech, observed the transformation firsthand, telling ODHS, "In the beginning, some of our interns didn't speak much at all. And by the end, they're standing up in front of a group talking about everything they've learned and all of the skills they've developed."
Now at the conclusion of their internship, each graduate is on the cusp of embarking on a job hunt with assistance from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), a subset of ODHS. Lynne Carter, the VR counselor working with the interns, expressed confidence in their prospects, pointing out that thanks to their experiences, "they have developed significantly and are now much better prepared for employment."
Project SEARCH has a proven track record, with a national employment success rate of 75% for graduates who often secure better than minimum wage. Such outcomes reveal the depth and impact of the training interns receive, which includes navigating the complex world of work. Statewide Project Search coordinator Pennie Hartley highlighted the program's benefits to both graduates and businesses. Dillon Smith, Chief Operating Officer of DCI, emphasized the positive experience for his company, recommending to other businesses that, "If you’re a business and you're looking to enhance the lives of your employees and better support your community, then I would highly recommend working with Project SEARCH" as told to ODHS.
