Five new Fort Worth ISD high school graduates are moving on to the next stage of their lives with the skills to succeed thanks to a national high school transition program, thriving right here at Texas Wesleyan. Project SEARCH prepares young people with disabilities with on-the-job training and education, putting them on a road to success.

How it Works

Interns defer their high school graduation for one year, and complete three, 10-week rotations on campus to get real-world work experience. During the rotations, they get regular feedback from their managers, co-workers, and Project SEARCH staff. They also take part in monthly planning meetings to define their career goals and plan the steps to achieve them. Rotation work sites included Dora’s Café, the Morton Fitness Center, and Athletics.

Student Successes

2018 marks Project SEARCH’s fifth year at Texas Wesleyan. Five students graduated from the program this year. Three of them are now moving on to jobs at Tom Thumb, Walmart and Shoe Show, respectively.

“The skills that these kids gained are so valuable and they will take them for the rest of their lives,” said Charmin Simien, vocational adjustment coordinator at Fort Worth ISD, during the graduation ceremony for the Project SEARCH class of 2018.

Project SEARCH Fort Worth is a collaboration of FWISD, Goodwill Industries, Texas Workforce Commission, MHMR of Tarrant County and Texas Wesleyan University, with TXWES providing a training office, computer lab, and on-campus work rotations.