During a special signing ceremony hosted at St. Clair College, eight young adults with disabilities were installed as the first cohort of interns to participate in Project SEARCH.
The project is an internationally recognized transition-to-work program where young adults with disabilities are provided with immersive workplace experience through internship rotations and targeted skills training.
Eight students participating in the initial intake of Project SEARCH at St. Clair College photographed during their signing ceremony on June 24, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
The program is a collaboration between the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB), Community Living Windsor and will take place at St. Clair College's Main Windsor Campus during the 2025/2026 academic year.
The students participating in Project SEARCH this year are Emma Collard and Seth Wallace of North Star High School, Ali Ghosin and Neyat Khali of Vincent Massey Secondary School, Kyle Ireson and Isiah Kersey of Westview Freedom Academy, and Darius Kovacevich and Ella Yoker of Belle River District High School.
"These are students in our STEPS program, they many times had limited pathways for when they left high school so this is a way to gain valuable skills that they will be able to use to gain and keep lifelong careers," said Chris Mills, superintendent of special education programs and services at the GECDSB.
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 teacher and skills trainers, and a local employment agency supports graduates and their employers.
At St. Clair College, the students will have an opportunity to work in the sports facilities, food courts, and horticultural departments.
"At the Greater Essex County District School Board, we are deeply committed to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where all students can thrive," said GECDSB Director of Education, Vicki Houston. "Project SEARCH reflects this mission in action - empowering students with developmental disabilities to gain real-world experience, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward independence."
"We are incredibly grateful to St. Clair College and Community Living Windsor for opening their doors and their hearts to make this vision a reality," Houston added.
Jimmy Parsons, the Chair of the Zekelman School of Business, said this initiative marks an exciting milestone for the incredible interns and shares the vision with the community.
"Together, we are demonstrating what's possible when organizations come together and align around a shared purpose in the community," Parsons said. "This initiative reflects the very heart of St. Clair College: inclusivity, accessibility and opportunity."
"Our goal is to ensure every intern who joins us feels welcome, supported and empowered to reach their full potential - not only through their time with us, but as they transition into adulthood and into the world of work," Parsons said.
"You belong here. We're glad to have you, you're a valued member of our community and we're honoured to walk alongside you in the next chapter of your journey."
