A dance party always tends to break out at the end of Project SEARCH® commencement ceremonies at Southwestern Community College.
It seemed especially appropriate this year considering all four graduates seemed to savor every moment of their studies and internships on Southwestern’s Jackson Campus.
Launched in 2014, SCC’s Project SEARCH® program has empowered dozens of students to exceed all expectations – with many securing employment and learning to live more independently. The program allows young men and women (ages 18-30) with disabilities to gain marketable employability skills through classes and hands-on internships.
“Every year, I always look forward to this particular graduation ceremony because of the joy it brings to our graduates and their families,” said Devonne Jimison, SCC’s Director of College & Career Readiness. “This year’s Project SEARCH® interns never failed to brighten the day for everyone they came across on our campus, and I have no doubt the future will be brighter and more fulfilling for each one of these graduates.”
This year’s graduates were Josiah Bjerkness of Bryson City, Johnathon Collier of Franklin, Kody Kirkland of Sylva and Hope Lafleur of Waynesville.
They served internships in the Business Office, Café ’64, Holt Library, the Public Relations office as well as other departments across campus.
SCC’s Project SEARCH program is made possible through partnerships with WestBridge and Vocational Rehabilitation.
Applications are being accepted now for the 10th class of SCC’s Project SEARCH® program. For more information, contact Jimison at devonnej@SouthwesternCC.edu or 828.339.4361.
