Project SEARCH

06/03/2026

Planning ahead sets strong programs up for success 📅✨
As teams prepare for June/July steering committee meetings, now is the perfect time to focus on strategic planning and setting meaningful goals for the year ahead.
Three tips for creating strong, strategic program goals:
🔹 Start with data – Review current outcomes and identify gaps or opportunities to ensure goals are grounded in real needs.
🔹 Make goals realistic and measurable – Focus on 1–2 year goals that are specific, trackable, and achievable.
🔹 Align and prepare your team – Connect goals to staff training and resources so everyone is set up to succeed.
Intentional planning today leads to stronger impact tomorrow 💡

06/01/2026

Just when you thought the deadline had passed… we’ve got one more surprise 🎁
The regular registration price for the Project SEARCH Conference has been extended until June 5th!
Consider this your official commencement gift—extra time to walk across the stage and join us 🎉
Don’t miss your moment—register now at www.projectsearch.us/conference

05/26/2026

🌟 Supporting Project SEARCH Graduates After Graduation 🌟

A strong summer plan helps graduates stay motivated and focused on finding a job. With support from families, momentum can continue! 💼✨

Here are 3 quick tips to stay engaged:

✅ Set Weekly Goals Together – Plan job applications, outreach, and skill practice as a team.
✅ Create a Daily Routine – Keep structure with dedicated time for job searching and growth.
✅ Stay Connected & Celebrate Wins – Check in often and recognize every step forward.

💡 With teamwork and consistency, every step brings graduates closer to employment!

05/22/2026

Congrats to our Alumni of the Month, Estrella! 🎉

Every month, we spotlight a Project SEARCH alum who is making a difference, and Estrella is shining bright! After completing her internship with The Hive Education, she was hired full-time at the N.M. Children First Learning Center and has been promoted to Assistant Teacher. Estrella is building her career in early childhood education, earning her certificate and now pursuing an associate degree, all while inspiring the next generation of learners!

Nominate your alumni to be the next Alumni of the Month to be celebrated just like Estrella!
Email [email protected] with your contact information and the alum you’d like to nominate. We love celebrating the achievements of our alumni!

Special thanks to Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) for supporting the Project SEARCH Alumni Association and helping us share stories like Estrella’s!

05/20/2026

🎓✨ Congratulations to the Project SEARCH class of 2026! ✨🎓
We are incredibly proud of the growth and transformation each of you has shown throughout this journey. From building confidence to mastering valuable workplace skills, you’ve proven what dedication, perseverance, and teamwork can achieve.

As you move forward into your careers, take with you everything you’ve learned and the belief in your own potential. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish.

🌟 Wishing you continued success and the very best in your future careers! 🌟

Kristen Wright and Susie Rutkowski congratulate the class of 2026!

05/19/2026

🎉 Don’t miss out on the fun AND the savings! 🎉
Registration prices for the Project SEARCH Conference go up on June 1st, so now is the time to secure your spot!
While you’re there, get ready for unforgettable experiences—like our special event at the City Museum in St. Louis 🏙️✨ (just ask Susie and Mitch… they’re already having a blast!).
Register today and join us for learning, connection, and a little adventure! 💙
www.projectsearch.us/conference

05/18/2026

Meet Nate, a Project SEARCH graduate from Wisconsin who now works in the pharmacy department at ThedaCare! In this alumni interview, Nate shares how Project SEARCH helped him build confidence, gain independence, and find meaningful work in healthcare.
From learning new workplace skills to becoming part of a supportive team, Nate’s story highlights the impact of Project SEARCH and the possibilities that can come from internship experiences.

Watch the full interview here! https://youtu.be/d_QCPv1wWuM?si=tkKihlkviJ7iT8dZ

Special thanks to Naveh Eldar for being a part of this interview, as well as our sponsor, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF), for supporting the Project SEARCH Alumni Association and helping share stories like Nate’s!

05/11/2026

Time is ticking to secure your spot for the 19th Annual Project SEARCH Conference - St. Louis 2026! We wanted to send a quick reminder that Standard Registration rates are only available through May 31, 2026. Starting June 1st, rates will increase to Late Registration pricing.

Not registered yet? You’re not late, there’s still time to grab the deal! Click here to register: www.projectsearch.us/conference

Don't wait until the last minute—lock in the $100 savings by registering before the May 31st deadline. We hope to see you there!

04/30/2026

In this Project SEARCH Alumni Association webinar, we explore ABLE Savings Accounts. These tax-free savings accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without affecting their benefits. ABLE programs are now available in 47 states, giving individuals and families more options and financial independence.

Presenters Lauri Maloney and Lori Lamphere walk us through what ABLE accounts are, who is eligible, how to open an account, and how ABLE savings can be used. They also share important features to consider when choosing an ABLE plan.
This session is part of the Project SEARCH Alumni Association webinar series, which provides helpful information and resources for graduates, families, instructors, and friends.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF), for supporting the Project SEARCH Alumni Association and making educational content like this possible!
For more information about our Alumni Association please visit: https://www.projectsearch.us/alumni

04/07/2026

We love celebrating our Project SEARCH graduates, and this month we’re excited to spotlight Ellie, a 2025 alum who now works as a Chick-fil-A Team Member!
Nominate your alumni to be the next Alumni of the Month to be celebrated just like Ellie!

Email [email protected] with your contact information and the alum you’d like to nominate.

Special thanks to Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) for supporting the Project SEARCH Alumni Association and making it possible to share stories like Ellie’s!