Project SEARCH

08/31/2026

📋 September Steering Committee Meeting Reminder

As your Project SEARCH team kicks off the new program year, your September Steering Committee meeting is the perfect opportunity to review intern progress and ensure supports are in place for success.

Consider discussing these key agenda topics:

✅ Who's employed/who's not?
Tip: Review employment status for graduates and celebrate successes. Identify trends or barriers affecting those who are still seeking employment.

✅ Plan for those who are unemployed
Tip: Create individualized action steps for each job seeker. Consider employer outreach opportunities, job development strategies, transportation needs, and additional skill-building supports.

✅ Intern check-ins: Any concerns so far?
Tip: Discuss attendance, workplace readiness, internship fit, support needs, and early successes. Address small concerns now before they become larger challenges later in the year.

💡 Steering Committees are most effective when every partner comes prepared to share updates, problem-solve collaboratively, and keep employment outcomes at the center of the conversation.

What topic is always on your September Steering Committee agenda? Share in the comments!

08/26/2026

Upcoming trainings for September

If you're new to Project SEARCH, make sure that you register for Intro and Planning Part 1 and 2 on September 15th and 17th! Both trainings will be held live on Zoom at 10 AM EST. To register, log in to the Project SEARCH Member Portal and go to the Calendar Tab.

www.projectsearch.us

08/24/2026

📌 Model Fidelity Monday #3

Strong partnerships are at the heart of every successful Project SEARCH program.

Model fidelity means building and maintaining a collaborative team that includes: ⭐ Education
⭐ Vocational Rehabilitation
⭐ Community Rehabilitation Providers
⭐ Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services Agencies
⭐ Interns' families
⭐ Workforce Investment Boards (where available)

Each partner plays a vital role in creating meaningful opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting interns as they prepare for competitive integrated employment. When everyone brings their expertise to the table, interns benefit from a coordinated approach that sets them up for long-term success.

💡 Call to Action: Project SEARCH teams, take inventory of your partnerships this month. Who is actively engaged? Who might need a stronger voice at the table? Reach out, reconnect, and strengthen your collaboration to ensure every intern has the support they need to thrive.

08/19/2026

08/17/2026

Model Fidelity Monday: #2

A successful Project SEARCH program starts with selecting interns who are a strong match for the model. Model Fidelity #2 reminds us that Project SEARCH is designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who can benefit from personalized support through an intensive year of career exploration and internship experiences.

Thoughtful recruitment and selection processes help ensure interns are ready to engage in the program, develop workplace skills, and work toward competitive integrated employment.

💡 Team Challenge: Review your recruitment and selection process. Does it help identify candidates who will benefit most from the Project SEARCH experience while maintaining equitable access and opportunity?

08/10/2026

⭐ Model Fidelity Monday

The number one outcome of Project SEARCH is clear: competitive, integrated employment.

As we begin a new year, let's stay focused on that goal for every intern in our program. Every lesson, every internship, and every coaching moment should move them one step closer to employment after graduation.

Project SEARCH employment criteria:
✔️ 16+ hours per week
✔️ Non-seasonal employment
✔️ Competitive wages
✔️ Integrated work environment

Let's continue creating opportunities that lead to success.

What strategies are you using this year to help interns achieve employment after graduation? Share below! 👇

08/07/2026

📢 Portal Prompt!

When was the last time you checked your program's contact information in the member portal?

Keeping contact details current helps ensure important updates, resources, and communications reach the right people at the right time.

✅ Take a minute today to review and update your program contacts. Remove contacts that are outdated and add new contacts.

👉 Log in to the member portal now and verify your information.

08/05/2026

🚨 Just Added to the Training Calendar! 🚨

Registration is now open for the Project SEARCH Fundamentals Series ( #1-8), taking place August 12-21, 2026, each afternoon.

Visit the Member Portal, click the Calendar tab, and register today!

🔗 www.projectsearch.us

07/29/2026

Great news! If you're new to Project SEARCH or haven't been able to attend Introduction and Planning Part One and/or Two, we have not one, not two, but THREE opportunities to take them in August.

Introduction and Planning Part One and Two will be held virtually on the following dates: August 6th and 7th from 10am-1pm EST, August 19th and 20th from 12pm-3pm EST, and August 25th and 27th from 11am-2pm EST.

To register, log in to the Project SEARCH member portal at www.projectsearch.us, click the calendar tab, and find the session you'd like to attend. For additional support, reach out to your program specialist!

07/24/2026

📅 August Steering Committee Planning

As teams kick off a new program year, now is the perfect time to engage your Steering Committee as strategic partners. A strong start creates alignment, accountability, and momentum for the months ahead. Your Steering Committee can help set the foundation for a successful year. Consider discussing:

✅ Are employment planning meetings scheduled for the year?
✅ Is your recruitment calendar mapped out and aligned with your program needs?
✅ How can committee members leverage their networks to identify new employer partners, community connections, and opportunities?

By collaborating early and often, teams can build stronger partnerships, expand opportunities, and create meaningful outcomes throughout the year.