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DWD, Sauk Prairie Healthcare Celebrate Graduation of Seven Local Project SEARCH Interns

Project SEARCH Program Prepares Young Adults with Disabilities for Rewarding Careers

SAUK PRAIRIE – To say that Trent Geier's parents have seen him change over the last nine months would be an understatement. The Project SEARCH graduate made it clear to a room full of family, friends, and supporters that the program helped him in many ways.

"Project SEARCH taught me hard skills and soft skills," he said. "I learned about hygiene, professionalism, knowing more about mental health, communication, and teamwork."

Geier spent his time at Project SEARCH interning for Sauk Prairie Healthcare in the Central Supply & Acute Care Departments, where he unpacked hospital supplies and stocked them in their correct locations. He also spent time packing products at Mueller Sports Medicine. Geier will stay in the medical field following graduation as he secured a hospitality aide position at the Sauk County Healthcare Center.

"Project SEARCH is a win for participating interns, a win for Wisconsin businesses and a win for communities around the state," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. "We congratulate all new Project SEARCH graduates, who will take the skills, training, and confidence they've developed through the program to achieve their employment goals and succeed in the workforce."

The graduation ceremony at the Sauk Prairie School District Offices on Thursday, June 1, in Sauk Prairie, marked the completion of a nine- to 12-month immersive work experience. The interns recounted their hands-on experiences and talked about their future career opportunities.

In addition to the host site, the local internship experience was made possible by partners including the Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Sauk Prairie School District, MARC, Inc., and IRIS.

Project SEARCH is a collaborative effort among state vocational rehabilitation agencies, area schools, local employers, and long-term care organizations to help interns acquire marketable, competitive, and transferable skills that lead to employment. The interns complete multiple 10-week rotations to maximize exposure to different career paths and learn employability skills in a classroom and hands-on job skills within the business environment.

Started at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in 1996, Project SEARCH has provided workforce training to approximately 1,500 Wisconsin residents since its statewide launch in 2008. For more, visit Project SEARCH Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.