Noted via press release:

County Executive Ball To Sign MOU For Project SEARCH

ELLICOTT CITY – On Wednesday, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Project SEARCH, a one-year program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their last year of high school. The program helps students gain employment and marketable work skills through an internship with Howard County government. Students in the program work with a team that includes their family, a special education teacher, and The Arc of Howard County to create an employment goal and support the student during this important transition from school to work. The MOU will extend Project SEARCH from 2019 to 2022.

“In Howard County we presume competence and are dedicated to expanding opportunity for all, regardless of ability. Our community continues to be a place where we support all our students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and I remain committed to ensuring they have everything they need to achieve individual success. Project SEARCH connects our participants to jobs, but more importantly the program promotes self-determination, independence, and full inclusion,” said Ball. “Over the years we have continued to grow, from 12 students to our most recent class of more than 60! By signing this MOU, we commit to growing this important program for years to come, in order to make Howard County a model, inclusive community.”

WHAT: MOU signing for Project SEARCH in Howard County

WHEN: Wednesday, August 21st at 2:30 PM

WHERE: George Howard Building (3430 Court House Dr # 100, Ellicott City, MD)

WHO:

Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive

Cindy Parr, Arc of Howard County Executive Director

Michael J. Martirano, HCPSS Superintendent

Jill Pierce, Maryland State Department of Education

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Here is additional information about Project SEARCH:

The Project SEARCH High School Transition Program is a one-year internship program for students with disabilities in their last year of high school, and DDA and DORS eligible. It is for students whose goal is competitive employment. The program is conducted in a workplace setting, where total immersion facilitates the teaching and learning process as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills. Students participate in three internships to explore a variety of career paths. Students in the program work with a team that includes their family, a special education teacher and The Arc of Howard County to create an employment goal and support the student during this important transition from school to work.

Scott E