GUELPH, ON – The Project SEARCH University of Guelph team, comprised of the Wellington Catholic District School Board, Upper Grand District School Board, University of Guelph, and March of Dimes Canada, are excited for an upcoming Signing Day Ceremony which will kick off the first ever Project SEARCH University of Guelph program.
New this year, Project SEARCH is a unique school-to-work training program for students with disabilities. Students are immersed at a host business and get more than 700 hours of hands-on work experience geared to in-demand roles in the local labour market. They learn employability skills and plan their careers with guidance from a Wellington Catholic DSB teacher and a skills trainer from March of Dimes Canada. March of Dimes Canada then continues to support graduates and their employers following the completion of the program to assist in attaining competitive employment. Project SEARCH Skills Support Specialists, teachers, and community partners from the March of Dimes Canada and the University of Guelph will speak with our interns in the Boardroom at the University Centre on the University of Guelph Campus followed by the special Signing Day Ceremony where interns will sign their certificate along with University of Guelph representatives.
Our team of amazing interns and their fantastic support team are eager to begin this opportunity to learn, grow and step towards a bright future. We welcome members of the media to please join us to honour our interns with cake, coffee and well wishes.
Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: University of Guelph – UC442
Notes: Media representatives can register to attend the event by emailing Ali Lupal, alison.lupal@wellingtoncdsb.ca.
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For more information please contact:
Ali Lupal, Communication and Community Engagement Lead
alison.lupal@wellingtoncdsb.ca
About Wellington Catholic District School Board: Wellington Catholic District School Board offers excellence in faith-based Catholic education to students and their families. The board consists of 18 elementary schools, three secondary schools and an alternative education program. We are proud to meet the educational interests of nearly 9000 students in the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington.
About Upper Grand District School Board: The Upper Grand District School Board serves more than 35,000 students through 65 elementary schools and 11 secondary schools in the City of Guelph, County of Wellington and County of Dufferin. The UGDSB covers the ancestral and traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Six Nations of the Grand River, and Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territories. Inspiring a love of learning and developing engaged, globally literate citizens is the shared purpose of our Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and more than 4,000 dedicated education and support staff who are aided by the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners.
About University of Guelph:
The University of Guelph is a comprehensive research-intensive and learner-centered university with campuses in both urban and rural communities. Serving close to 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the University of Guelph is known for their excellence in the arts and sciences, and for their commitment to developing exceptional thinkers and engaged citizens.
About March of Dimes Canada: March of Dimes Canada is a leading national charity committed to championing equity, empowering ability, and creating real change that will help the more than 6 million people living with disabilities across the country unlock the richness of their lives. As a leading service provider, resource, and advocate, we’re paving the way for people living with disabilities to experience full and meaningful lives in an inclusive world.
About Project SEARCH: Project SEARCH was developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which is still the administrative headquarters for the organization. Project SEARCH is a business-led, one-year internship program for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most participants are enrolled while transitioning from high school to work. The hallmark of Project SEARCH is total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training leading to acquisition of marketable work skills. Project SEARCH’s goal is to secure competitive, integrated employment for every program participant.