Project SEARCH, a school-to-work transition program at the University of Guelph that dismantles barriers and provides work experience for high school students with disabilities, has been recognized as the Community Changemaker of the Year by March of Dimes Canada.
"We're so grateful for this honour in recognition of Project SEARCH, a program that reflects the energy and ethos of our University and speaks to the campus networks that support great initiatives," says Janet Doner, manager, Campus and Community Integrated Learning, Experiential Learning Hub.
The Community Changemaker of the Year Award celebrates the creativity and collaborative spirit of a local, regional or provincial organization that demonstrates innovation and impact in expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in their communities.
"At U of G, we believe in student learning and in equitable opportunities for employment," Doner says. "There is a place for everyone here."
U of G first Canadian university to embrace Project SEARCH
In partnership with the Upper Grand District School Board, Wellington Catholic District School Board and March of Dimes Canada, a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, Project SEARCH provides high school students up to 700 hours of on-campus work experience to develop skills for the local job market.
The students rotate through three 10-week internships working across various campus departments gaining employment skills through hands-on experience in places like the University Bookstore, Student Wellness, Hospitality Services and the Companion Animal Hospital at the Ontario Veterinary College, among others.
These campus partners are integral to the success of Project SEARCH as the program looks to expand and evolve, offering its participants a variety of placements, Doner says. "This program creates learning for everyone, not just the Project SEARCH interns."
"As an institution committed to experiential learning and career-readiness skills, it is also important to be able to offer that to community members," she adds. "This is a collective win for everyone."
Since 1996, Project SEARCH has amassed more than 750 sites in 10 countries. The U of G site, launched in 2024, was the first in Guelph and the first at a Canadian post-secondary institution, with seven graduates, two of whom also secured permanent employment at U of G.
"As the interns move through the program, there is increased autonomy and it is incredible how well-prepared they become for the workforce," Doner says.
Embedding inclusivity, accessibility in U of G programming
The Changemaker Awards honour the remarkable achievements of people and organizations who have made a profound impact in the lives of people with disabilities.
The awards shine a spotlight on those who champion equity, empower ability and drive transformation through innovation, collaboration, action and advocacy.
"We are deeply honoured to be the first post-secondary institution in Canada to run a Project SEARCH program and to receive the Community Changemaker Award," says Elaine Fenner, director, Experiential Learning Hub.
READ MORE: U of G to Help High School Students with Disabilities Become Job Ready
"Embedding inclusivity and accessibility into programming for equity-denied groups is a core priority for the Experiential Learning Hub," she says. "We extend our sincere thanks to our valued collaborators - March of Dimes Canada, the Upper Grand District School Board and the Wellington Catholic District School Board - for their ongoing partnership and support."
The Changemaker Awards will be presented Oct. 23 at the annual Changemakers Supper Club in Toronto.
U of G departments interested in recruiting Project SEARCH interns can contact the team at projectsearch@uoguelph.ca
