Project SEARCH Graduates Secure Employment Before Graduation

Students in the Baldwin County School District’s Project SEARCH program celebrated the graduation of the program’s first cohort of interns. Not only did the interns successfully complete the workforce training program, but many had already secured employment by the time they graduated.

Hosted by Atrium Health Navicent, Project SEARCH equips students with disabilities with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce. The graduation ceremony was held at Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin in Milledgeville, where students, families, educators, and community partners gathered to recognize the interns’ achievements and mark this important milestone.

Three of the program’s four graduates have already secured employment. Two interns were hired by Atrium Health Navicent — one in Environmental Services and another in the hospital’s Morrison Café. A third graduate accepted a position with the Baldwin County Board of Education Nutrition Department.

Interns began this yearlong program on Aug. 4, 2025. A key component of Project SEARCH is matching internships to each intern’s interests and strengths, helping promote long-term career success while providing exposure to a variety of workplace roles.

Project SEARCH instructor Jennifer Bryant played an important role in preparing interns for employment and life after graduation.

“When we talk about the interns, we also build very strong relationships with the managers,” Bryant said. “The partnership between BCSD, GVRA and Atrium Health Navicent helps us better prepare students for the workforce.”

Preparing for the Workforce

Throughout the year, students participated in training sessions and mock interviews at the hospital, where they participated in  workplace scenarios, including how to properly enter and interact in a patient’s room. Interns were given scripts and guided through real-life situations to help build confidence, professionalism, and communication skills. These exercises helped students feel more prepared during job interviews and in workplace settings.

Students also learned resume writing skills and how to use design tools such as Canva to create professional materials.

Another tool Bryant used was the “Manager Feedback Form,” which allowed hospital supervisors to provide detailed feedback to Project SEARCH instructors about areas where interns could improve. The form became a valuable resource because it helped instructors identify students’ strengths and areas for growth while guiding them toward positions that best matched their abilities.

Students gained experience in several departments, including Maintenance, Central Supply, Environmental Services, Morrison Café, the Outpatient Lab, and the Patient Lab.

Beyond the Classroom: Community Service

In addition to workplace training, interns participated in several community service projects throughout the year. One major project included collecting canned goods during Thanksgiving for the EriKa Outreach Center.

Students also participated in sock drives and Halloween candy drives, helping support families and individuals within the community. These projects allowed interns to build teamwork and leadership skills while giving back to the community.

GVRA and Project SEARCH Partnership

GVRA’s Ben Dell, the Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and Project SEARCH Coordinator, was one of the speakers at the graduation ceremony. Dell has served in their role for two years and has played a major part in the program’s success.

When asked how they felt about seeing the interns graduate, Dell reflected on the importance of encouraging students and recognizing their growth throughout the program.

“I get to stand right in front of the interns and speak directly to them,” Dell said. “I encourage them about all of the good work they are doing and the importance they play in the community.”

During their speech, Dell also praised Bryant and the hospital staff for helping interns build confidence and workplace skills throughout the year.

The partnership between Project SEARCH and Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) helps students with disabilities develop important post-secondary transition skills. GVRA assists interns by providing support such as uniforms and work shoes.

Catina Trawick, a GVRA Counselor 3, also worked closely with instructors and interns throughout the year, offering guidance, encouragement, and support whenever students faced challenges or needed motivation.

New Interns Preparing for Fall 2026

Currently, five interns have already signed up for next year’s program. Bryant said she has exciting plans for the next graduation ceremony, including inviting this year’s graduates back to speak with the incoming class about their experiences and motivate the next group of interns as they begin their journey through Project SEARCH.