Seven Iowa Interns Land Jobs After Disability Program

Seven young adults just proved that the right support can change everything about entering the workforce.

Project SEARCH in Davenport, Iowa, celebrated its newest graduates Wednesday as they completed a year-long program designed for people ages 18 to 21 with developmental disabilities. Five of the seven graduates already have jobs waiting for them.

The program works by giving interns three different 10-week internships throughout the year. Participants get hands-on experience in fields like housekeeping, food service, office work, and healthcare. Some even earned their Certified Nursing Assistant credentials.

Brody Schutte, one of the graduates, shared his excitement about what comes next. "I'm most excited about continuing my job at Silvercrest Garner Farms as a caregiver, and just helping the elderly with their daily tasks," he said.

The program partners with Davenport Community School District, St. Ambrose University, and Silvercrest Garner Senior Living to create opportunities tailored to each intern's career goals. Each position matches what the young adults actually want to do with their futures.

Getting into Project SEARCH isn't automatic. Applicants go through a rigorous application and interview process, choosing the program as an extra year after high school to build real job skills.

The Ripple Effect

Programs like this create waves beyond just employment numbers. When young adults with disabilities successfully enter the workforce, it breaks down barriers and changes perceptions in entire communities. Employers gain skilled, dedicated workers. Families see their children reach independence they might have worried was out of reach.

Cassie Schadt, a special education teacher and Project SEARCH instructor, captured the significance perfectly. "We got to celebrate that final achievement. They get a year of a little bit of work in the classroom, but mostly on the job training."

Each graduate received a certificate recognizing their excellence before taking the stage to give their own speeches. These weren't just ceremonies marking the end of something, but celebrations of careers beginning.