Lincoln Park Schools Celebrates First Graduates of Workplace Training Program

In June, the Lincoln Park Public Schools District celebrated the graduation of the first group of students enrolled in Project SEARCH, a nationwide employment training program which serves young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Project SEARCH offers students the opportunity to learn real-world skills in areas such as food service, sales, custodial services and more that can be applied to a variety of workplace fields. Four students took part in a partnership with Corewell Health Trenton which provided on-the-job internships for the young adults aged 18 to 26.

"Our Project SEARCH graduates have embraced the opportunity to explore careers that suit their passions and developed on-the-job skills that will directly apply to the careers of their choice," said Nicole Chubb, LPPS Executive Director of Special Education. She explains that the district had been seeking a partner, a local downriver business, to collaborate with Project SEARCH as a host workplace willing to provide a space for classroom learning and on-the-job training and experience for the student interns. Last summer, Corewell Health Trenton stepped up, offering classroom space where interns spent part of the school day learning job skills, social and problem solving skills, and engaging with co-workers and supervisors. Three departments at Corewell Trenton provided internships to the students, including food service, and maintenance and housekeeping. Each intern was also paired with a mentor to help them achieve their goal.

Students Eli Carpenter, Luke March, Daniel Muratalla, and Paul Werth represented Lincoln Park's first Project SEARCH graduating class in a graduation ceremony held at the auditorium at Corewell Health Trenton Hospital. All four graduates have either found work or are interviewing for numerous positions within Corewell Health Trenton.

"It's a thrill to see this program take shape and start to translate into our students getting hired for jobs," said Robyn Castle, LPPS Special Education Supervisor. "We are so grateful to Corewell Health Trenton for partnering with LPPS to help us offer this outstanding program so we can help all Railsplitters prepare for careers, regardless of learning or other challenges."

"I'd like to personally congratulate these amazing students on their hard work and success, and wish them the very best as they prepare for the workforce," said Terry Dangerfield, Lincoln Park Public Schools superintendent. "This innovative program is the latest example of our district's commitment to serving the unique needs of our Railsplitters and preparing all students for careers and bright futures."

"The students did an amazing job, they grew so much this year. It was incredible to see the growth based on the opportunity they had to be fully immersed in the workplace alongside of their peers," says Chubb. "It really gave them skills to gain competitive employment and enter the workforce. These first Project SEARCH graduates have overcome the challenges they faced in school and are now ready for opportunities that match their unique talents and abilities."