From School to Success: The Power of Project SEARCH in Michigan

Описание: What happens when you stop seeing a student’s disability and start seeing their potential?

In this episode of the MAASE Field Notes Podcast, host Sarah Winslow sits down with Susie Rutkowski, co-founder of Project SEARCH, and a panel of Michigan leaders to explore this life changing school to work model.

Project SEARCH isn’t just a classroom program. It is a full immersion experience where interns spend their entire day at a host business like Meijer or Corewell Health. Susie shares the incredible news that Michigan programs are currently performing 13 points above the national average for employment outcomes.

You will hear from:

District Leaders: Mike Esseily and Fatin Sobh discuss how the program raises expectations and creates a "fast track to independence."

Business Partners: Brendan Birchmeier from Meijer explains how the interns have transformed his store’s culture and become "part of the family."

Family Perspectives: Parent Marianne Owens shares the emotional journey of seeing her son grow from a nervous student to a confident, employed adult.

Watch the full episode to learn how this collaborative model between schools, businesses, and families is turning the dream of competitive employment into a reality for young adults across Michigan.