It is a perfect first internship for student Ta’Shaun Eades – he is learning important skills in communication, computer and customer relations.

But the best part of being at the Sterling Heights Senior Center?

“I get to know the patrons if they come in a lot, and I’m making a lot of new friends,” Eades said.

Eades and five of his peers are among the first individuals to take part in a unique partnership between Utica Community Schools and the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation.

Project SEARCH, the program creates a more inclusive workforce and helps breakdown barriers to employment for young adults with disabilities through three, 10-week internships. UCS and the City of Sterling Heights have created the first of its kind Project SEARCH collaboration between a municipality and school district in Macomb County.

“I think it is a great opportunity to get a work-based experience,” said project SEARCH instructor Christie Petras.  “I really feel that the interns are learning new skills every day, especially interacting with people. They are immersed every day doing jobs that teach them employable job skills.”

The interns interviewed for the program last year and were selected based on their current abilities and future goals.

Sterling Heights Senior Center Recreation Specialist Jennifer Rizzo said the interns are learning quickly.

“I think they are doing fantastic,” Rizzo said. “We get very busy around here, and they have stepped right up.” 

The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job development.

During the program, interns have the opportunity to gain hands-on,  real-life work experience in a range of responsibilities tailored to their interests and abilities, including clerical support, customer service, park maintenance and program support.

“At the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation, we believe in the potential of every individual,” said Parks and Recreation Adaptive Recreation Specialist Rebecca Lynn  Rebecca Lynn . “This new program complements our growing list of popular adaptive recreation opportunities, and we want to continue to foster programs like this where our community members can learn, grow and thrive.”

“Project SEARCH is a great example of how community partnerships are opening doors for our graduates,” said Utica Community School 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.”

For intern Kennedy Schebil, that means getting a head start of something she would like to do after she leaves UCS.

“I want to work in an office so I am excited to be here,” said Schebil. “I am learning how to be a part of an office.”