Hutto, Texas, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Hutto and Georgetown Independent School Districts are launching Project SEARCH, aimed at helping young adults with disabilities transition into the workforce through yearlong internships. With a 99% success rate, the program has enabled 60 students to secure jobs since its inception. This year, 14 participants will rotate through various departments, learning essential skills with the support of job coaches, while businesses in the community provide employment opportunities.
Hutto, Texas
Hutto and Georgetown Independent School Districts (ISDs) are launching Project SEARCH, an innovative initiative aimed at helping young adults with disabilities transition smoothly into the workforce. This program offers yearlong internships in collaboration with local businesses to provide hands-on work experience.
The primary goal of Project SEARCH is to ensure that students secure employment within six months of completing the program, which has shown remarkable success with a reported 99% success rate. Over the past five years, 60 students have successfully transitioned into working roles through this initiative, highlighting its effectiveness in supporting this demographic.
This year’s cohort consists of 14 participants, including 19-year-old RJ Williams. Williams is currently employed at Kalahari Resorts in the Marrakesh Market, where his responsibilities include stocking shelves, greeting customers, and ensuring cleanliness. He believes that his job plays a crucial role in supporting his aspiration of becoming a musician by funding his rehearsals and studio time.
Participants in Project SEARCH are required to complete a job interview and undergo several weeks of training before beginning their internships. The format of the program involves interns rotating through three to four different departments throughout the year, with potential placements in areas such as food service, laundry, or administrative tasks.
To ensure participants succeed, job coaches are assigned to assist them with daily tasks, prepare them for interviews, and instill essential work etiquette. The program specifically serves individuals aged 18-21 with disabilities, who may either be currently enrolled in school programming or have completed high school credits.
Inclusion is a key emphasis of the initiative, as it benefits both students with special needs and their business partners in the local community. Project SEARCH aims to challenge stereotypes associated with individuals with disabilities in the workplace, an important endeavor given the notably high unemployment rate for people with disabilities compared to other populations in the United States.
Further to empowering students, the program is designed to equip them with the confidence, skills, and financial independence necessary for successful adulthood. Hutto ISD is actively seeking to expand Project SEARCH and is looking for additional business partners willing to provide employment opportunities to interns with disabilities.
About Project SEARCH
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Project SEARCH |
| Participating ISDs | Hutto and Georgetown ISDs |
| Target Audience | Students aged 18-21 with disabilities |
| Internship Duration | Yearlong internships |
| Success Rate | 99% |
| Participants this Year | 14 |
| Students Transitioned Into Work | 60 students over the past five years |
| Job Coach Support | Daily task assistance, interview preparation, work etiquette training |
| Employment Goal | Employment within six months of program completion |
FAQ
What is Project SEARCH?
Project SEARCH is an initiative aimed at helping young adults with disabilities transition into the workforce through yearlong internships.
What is the success rate of Project SEARCH?
The program has a reported success rate of 99%, with 60 students transitioning into working roles over the past five years.
Who can participate in Project SEARCH?
The program serves individuals aged 18-21 with disabilities, who are either enrolled in school programming or have completed high school credits.
What are the requirements for participants?
Participants are required to complete a job interview and undergo weeks of training before beginning their internships.
What types of positions do interns rotate through?
Interns rotate through three to four departments, which could include food service, laundry, or administrative tasks.
How does Hutto ISD plan to expand the program?
Hutto ISD aims to find additional business partners willing to employ interns with disabilities.
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Hutto, Georgetown ISDs Launch Project SEARCH
- KVUE: Project SEARCH Offering Job Experience
- Community Impact: Workforce Training for Young Adults
- Wikipedia: Project SEARCH
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disability
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