UCS students recently interviewed with the City of Sterling Heights for openings available in their Parks and Rec Department through Project Search.
The Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department and Utica Community Schools are partnering with Project SEARCH in a collaboration that will bring six adaptive interns to work at the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department. The program will help to create a more inclusive workforce and break down barriers to employment through three, 10-week internships running from August 2024 through May 2025. Project SEARCH is a one-year secondary transition educational program for students with disabilities with the goal of competitive and integrated employment.
The City of Sterling Heights recognizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the workforce, and its Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities. By partnering with Utica Community Schools and Project SEARCH, the department hopes to empower adaptive interns by providing them with valuable work experience alongside professional mentors in a supportive environment.
During the program, adaptive interns will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a range of responsibilities tailored to their interests and abilities, including clerical support, customer service and park and facility maintenance. The guidance and support of dedicated mentors will ensure interns have the tools and resources needed to succeed in their roles while helping them develop valuable skills, build confidence and prepare for future employment opportunities that align with their post-secondary goals.
Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Adaptive Recreation Specialist Rebecca Lynn said she is excited about the benefits this partnership will bring to the interns and the Parks and Recreation Department.
“Our department is excited to offer this unique opportunity to adaptive students within Utica Community Schools,” said Lynn. “At Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation, we believe in the potential of every individual. This new program will complement our growing list of popular adaptive recreation programming, and we want to continue to foster programs like this where everyone can learn, grow and thrive.”
“Project search is a great example of how community partnerships are opening doors for our graduates,” said Utica Community Schools Superintendent Robert Monroe. “This first-of-its-kind collaboration will give our students with disabilities essential job skills that will empower them to realize their future goals and dreams.”
The adaptive internship program will kick off in May and run through August. Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation looks forward to welcoming the interns and continuing to foster a culture off diversity, equity and inclusion.
For more information, contact Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation at 586.446.2700 or visit myshpr.net.
About The City of Sterling Heights
Founded in 1968, the City of Sterling Heights continues to be an inclusive, vibrant community that is safe, active and sustainable. The Sterling Heights 2040 Visioning Plan outlines a vision for exceptional quality of life through public safety, sustainability, mobility, enriched living and distinctive districts and neighborhoods filled with connected residents and innovative businesses. Sterling Heights’ excellence in livability includes a world-class library, 31 parks and green spaces, 25+ miles of connected bike/hike trails, low tax and crime rates and so much more. With roughly 134,000 residents, it is the second largest suburb in Metro Detroit, and the fourth largest city in Michigan. To learn more, visit sterlingheights.gov.
About Utica Community Schools
Utica Community Schools, Michigan’s second largest school district, is nationally recognized for educational excellence. UCS students on average outperform their national and state peer and the district’s graduation rate is among the region’s best. Our vision is to work in partnership with the community to empower students to positively transform their future and our world.
About Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH was developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which is still the administrative headquarters for the organization. Project SEARCH is a business-led, one-year internship program for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most participants are enrolled while transitioning from high school to work. The hallmark of Project SEARCH is total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, hands-on training leading to acquisition of marketable work skills. Project SEARCH’s goal is to secure competitive, integrated employment for every program participant. For more information, visit projectsearch.us.
