City of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, June 16, 2017) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren recognized the graduates of the Project SEARCH Program this afternoon. Project SEARCH is a year-long high school transition program for students 18-21 with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The City provides an internship or co-op training program in cooperation with the Rochester City School District, which provides the education component, to help these students obtain employment.
“Each of these students worked very hard during their internship, and I am so proud of each of them for what they have accomplished,” Mayor Warren said. “Project SEARCH is just one of the City’s many efforts to break down barriers to employment. I urge our business community to hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who have demonstrated time and time again that they have many skills and an unwavering commitment to work.”
During Project SEARCH, students come to City Hall five days a week and learn employability and job skills while participating in a variety of on-site training in various City departments.
The City’s training opportunities provide the students with work experience and hands-on opportunities to learn transferable job skills, so they can succeed in the workforce.
The following partners make Project SEARCH possible: The Rochester City School District; the University of Rochester Medical Center, Golisano Children’s Hospital; the ARC of Monroe County; ACCESS (Adult Career and Continuing Educational Services) and the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.
“At the Arc, we believe employment should be an opportunity for everyone, at any point in their lives, which is why seeing this group of adult graduates here today is so exciting,” said Barbara Wale, Chief Executive Officer at the Arc of Monroe County. “I am so proud of all their accomplishments so far, and k ow each of them will go on to be successful in whatever they wish to achieve.”
For more information on Project SEARCH: http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589943690
-30-
Media contact: Press Officer Jessica Alaimo, 428-7135