Four years ago Hastings High School saw a need for a program that helps individuals with IEPs who are in their last eligible year of school. Mary Lanning partnered up with Hastings Public Schools and took on the nationally known program Project Search.
“Mary Lanning provides us the jobsites where the kids are able to learn the job tasks and they provide the students with a mentor,” Special Ed teacher Amy Vetter said.
With Mary Lanning providing the interns with internships they are allowing them to have success.
“Project Search helps individuals who might not otherwise be successful on their own. It gives them the skills they need to live on their own and find jobs,” said Vetter.
“It gives them the skills they need to live on their own and find jobs,” said Vetter.
For many people with disabilities it is hard to find jobs.
“It gives the kids an opportunity for employment that they normally would not have. It also builds their confidence,” said job coach Sketer Brown.
Interns have been hired at many different places such as Wal-Mart and Herbergers. Sometimes the hospital also hires interns.
There is now definitely more pressure to get 100 percent placement again but they plan to make the program bigger.
“I hope the community will be more aware of the program and that more schools outside of Hastings will seek out Project Search,” said Brown.
Vetter also agrees that having more awareness for the program will help it grow.
“I would like to see us have a bigger classroom where we could have 10 to 12 kids and for there to be more internships and job sites for the students,” said Vetter.
Project Search is a great opportunity for students with disabilities to gain competitive employment.
