Job Skills Gained Through Internships

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2009/jun/07/b4-ches07_20090606-201202-ar-41094/

Chesterfield students with disabilities find jobs through program

All seven members of the first graduating class of Project SEARCH Chesterfield have jobs.


Such is the purpose of the program, which provides education and opportunities for high school students with intellectual disabilities.

In a partnership between Chesterfield Employment Services and the county school system, students worked as interns throughout the year in various county departments to build their résumés and gain work experience.

"It gives them the opportunity to build employability skills, and it makes it easier for me to go out and look for a job for them," said Frances Schiavone, employment supervisor for Chesterfield Employment Services.

Stephanie Hancock, the Project SEARCH teacher, worked with the students in the morning to help them work toward independent living, holding mock job interviews and other skills before heading off to their internships in the afternoon.

"In school, their teachers are always there to support them every single day, and it's a big step for them to graduate," she said. "The amazing thing about this program is that it's a seamless transition from school to the community and to employment. It's all about choice. And the students really have their voice and their choice about their future."

Chesterfield is the first locality in Virginia to replicate the Project SEARCH model, which originated in Cincinnati 12 years ago.

"It was great -- interesting and fun," said April Moss, a Meadowbrook High School graduate who is working at T.J. Maxx after interning for the Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Department and others. She processes clothes as they arrive and manages the fitting room.

"I like making money," she said, adding that she hopes to eventually attend college and get a driver's license.

David Yancey, a Matoaca High School graduate, was able to parlay his internship installing county emergency vehicle radios into a job at Wal-Mart in the tire and lube department.

"It feels good," he said.

Three of this year's graduates will work for Wal-Mart, two for Virginia State University, one for T.J. Maxx and one for Community Christian Childcare Center.

Nine students are enrolled in next year's program.