Most students don't have jobs lined up to talk about on graduation night, but all five graduates of Project SEARCH were discussing their future jobs at the graduation ceremony on Tuesday night.

For the past year, these students were preparing for the workforce at Spartanburg Medical Center through a Project SEARCH internship.

Project SEARCH is a job training program for students with developmental disabilities. Through their internships, these students learn job skills that boost their self-confidence. Spartanburg Medical Center has participated in Project SEARCH for four years.

Spartanburg Medical Center's Project SEARCH leaders, Gloria Graves and Sam Napier, see a positive change in the students throughout the program.

“This program is life-changing,” said Napier, Spartanburg Medical Center and Dorman High Project SEARCH instructor. “We see growth in each student as they deal with adult and professional situations.”

Congratulations to this year's graduates!

• Kamara Dyches – SMC Environmental Services
• Shane Price – Green Lea Greenhouse & Grounds Keeping
• Travis Sakelaris – Charles Lea Center Clean Crew
• Ryan Sturgill – Fairforest Elementary School Cafeteria
• Jarrett Dandridge – AC Hotel- Spartanburg

“The interns in this program have changed the culture of our hospital,” said Gloria Graves, coordinator for student programs with Spartanburg Regional. “We have watched students be able to live independently and buy cars by gaining employment through this program, something most never thought they could do.”

Project SEARCH is a partnership with Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Spartanburg County Schools District 6, Upstate Workforce Board, and Vocational Rehabilitation. 

For information on how to be involved or to contribute to the Project SEARCH Program, call 864-560-6278.