Project SEARCH

⭐ Model Fidelity Monday

The number one outcome of Project SEARCH is clear: competitive, integrated employment.

As we begin a new year, let's stay focused on that goal for every intern in our program. Every lesson, every internship, and every coaching moment should move them one step closer to employment after graduation.

Project SEARCH employment criteria:
✔️ 16+ hours per week
✔️ Non-seasonal employment
✔️ Competitive wages
✔️ Integrated work environment

Let's continue creating opportunities that lead to success.

What strategies are you using this year to help interns achieve employment after graduation? Share below! 👇

📢 Portal Prompt!

When was the last time you checked your program's contact information in the member portal?

Keeping contact details current helps ensure important updates, resources, and communications reach the right people at the right time.

✅ Take a minute today to review and update your program contacts. Remove contacts that are outdated and add new contacts.

👉 Log in to the member portal now and verify your information.

🚨 Just Added to the Training Calendar! 🚨

Registration is now open for the Project SEARCH Fundamentals Series ( #1-8), taking place August 12-21, 2026, each afternoon.

Visit the Member Portal, click the Calendar tab, and register today!

🔗 www.projectsearch.us

Great news! If you're new to Project SEARCH or haven't been able to attend Introduction and Planning Part One and/or Two, we have not one, not two, but THREE opportunities to take them in August.

Introduction and Planning Part One and Two will be held virtually on the following dates: August 6th and 7th from 10am-1pm EST, August 19th and 20th from 12pm-3pm EST, and August 25th and 27th from 11am-2pm EST.

To register, log in to the Project SEARCH member portal at www.projectsearch.us, click the calendar tab, and find the session you'd like to attend. For additional support, reach out to your program specialist!

📅 August Steering Committee Planning

As teams kick off a new program year, now is the perfect time to engage your Steering Committee as strategic partners. A strong start creates alignment, accountability, and momentum for the months ahead. Your Steering Committee can help set the foundation for a successful year. Consider discussing:

✅ Are employment planning meetings scheduled for the year?
✅ Is your recruitment calendar mapped out and aligned with your program needs?
✅ How can committee members leverage their networks to identify new employer partners, community connections, and opportunities?

By collaborating early and often, teams can build stronger partnerships, expand opportunities, and create meaningful outcomes throughout the year.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the 19th Annual Project SEARCH Conference in St. Louis this past week! We hope all of you left feeling as inspired and energized as we did.

If you joined us, you know our theme this year was What if…? Drop them in the comments and tag a friend to share theirs as well!!

If you weren’t able to attend this year, What if you were able to join us in Orlando next year???

See you next year!!

Orlando, Florida 2027

Congratulations to Paul Barth, this year’s Erin Riehle Community Impact Award!!

The Erin Riehle Community Impact Award was created to recognize individuals whose work reflects the heart of Project SEARCH. It is named in honor of Erin Riehle, the co-founder of Project SEARCH, whose vision helped create a model that has changed expectations, opened doors, and expanded what meaningful employment can look like for people with disabilities.

The whole gang is here! The Project SEARCH team is wrapping up planning and can’t wait for the 19th Annual Project SEARCH Conference to begin!

Who’s joining us this week?? See you soon 🙌🏻