One of a Kind Program in U.P. Helping Students with Disabilities Get Jobs After High School

A program that helps young adults with special needs get employed after high school ended its inaugural year in Sault Ste Marie.

“Project Search” teamed up with War Memorial Hospital, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the Eastern U.P. ISD to train them to get a job after high school. 

The nationwide employment rate is almost two out of 10 for those with disabilities.

Friday, six interns graduated from the program with all of them getting a job with above normal wages.

The combination of life skills and job training at the hospital was the key.

“They were truly part of the War Memorial team and felt like they were employees and they shined! This has been life changing for us as staff, as well as the students,” said Project Search Coordinator, Kelli Fenlon.

The program will continue this coming school year at War Memorial Hospital.

Seven students will be part of the internship.

This is the only program of its kind in the U.P.