Project SEARCH: A “Super Senior Year” That Changes Everything for our PEC Students

In Baldwin County, we believe every student deserves more than a diploma.They deserve opportunity. They deserve belonging. And they deserve a pathway forward.

This year, Baldwin County School District launched its first cohort of Project SEARCH, a nationally recognized workforce training program designed to prepare students with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment. Hosted at Atrium Health Navicent, the program provides a full year of immersive, hands-on internship experience in a real-world business setting.

For four Baldwin High School graduates, this year has been what district leaders lovingly call a “super senior year”, a final, powerful step before receiving their diplomas.

And the results have been nothing short of remarkable.

Built on Partnership, Rooted in Possibility

“Truly amazing is the best way to describe it,” said Michelle O'Gorman, BCSD’s Special Education Director. “Our interns have really amazed us. I think they surprise not only themselves, but also the staff here working with them.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wMo-PBwaWo

Project SEARCH is a worldwide organization focused on employment outcomes for students with cognitive disabilities. In Baldwin County, the program exists because of a powerful collaboration between district leadership, community advocates, and Atrium Health Navicent, coming together with one shared belief: our students are capable of more.

Interns rotate through departments across the hospital, from environmental services to maintenance and other operational areas. Each rotation builds job-specific skills while reinforcing soft skills like punctuality, communication, teamwork, and professionalism.

The goal is clear: not just internship completion — but long-term, stable employment.

Inside the Experience

Project SEARCH Instructors Brandi Casey and Jennifer Bryant

Leading the program on-site is Jennifer Bryant, a veteran special education teacher who brings more than 20 years of experience supporting students with individualized education plans. “Project SEARCH is a job readiness program,” Bryant explained. “Students are able to gain employable skills for the job market.”

Unlike traditional classroom settings, this program is business-led. Interns are treated as employees. They report to supervisors. They meet expectations. They receive feedback. And they rise to it.

Bryant and her team carefully match each intern to job placements using assessments, interest surveys, and individual education plans. During transition weeks between rotations, students focus on resume building, budgeting, life skills, and even vision planning for their futures.

“They have gone above and beyond,” Bryant shared. “The interns have been fantastic.”

Confidence in Action

PEC Lead Teacher Pam Tindal inaugurates the first cohort of Project SEARCH interns

For intern Hayley Hester, the experience has been transformative.

Working in environmental services, Hayley is responsible for maintaining high-touch areas and ensuring patient rooms meet cleanliness standards. It’s detailed work. Important work. Work that directly impacts patient care.

“I’ve learned a lot of skills here,” she said. “Customer service wise, I really didn’t know a whole lot.” When asked about her future, her answer came quickly: she hopes to start her own cleaning business one day.

“I’ve been amazed by how well our students have surprised themselves,” O’Gorman said. “If we just set that high expectation, all of our students can reach it.”

A Community That Shows Up

One of the most powerful outcomes of Project SEARCH’s first year has been the overwhelming support from the Milledgeville community. Local businesses, hospital departments, and partner organizations have stepped forward, offering mentorship, training opportunities, and encouragement.

The buy-in has been real.

And the impact is lasting.

As the program prepares for future cohorts, district leaders are already dreaming bigger, expanding internship departments, increasing enrollment, and creating additional opportunities across the community.

Project SEARCH is more than a program. It’s a promise. A promise that in Baldwin County, every student has value.Every student has potential.And every student deserves the chance to shine.