COEUR d’ALENE — For Project SEARCH graduate Kobe Seyler, the program taught him how to find a job and how to show up for work on time. A wish of Seyler’s is to work at Mrs. Honeypeep’s Sweet Shop or Figpickels Toy Emporium because he likes to greet people, he said at the 2022 graduation ceremony Wednesday.

Seyler’s time in the program gave him a chance to work in three departments at Kootenai Health. He is prepared for more opportunities and currently looking for employment, he said.

“Sometimes it’s about finding out what you like to do, or don’t like to do,” said Project SEARCH co-instructor Theresa Moran. “We really aim interns toward a job that’s going to be stable for them and where they will be supported.”

The Project SEARCH program aids high school graduates who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Along with education about finding and maintaining employment and living independently, students get hands-on work experience. Working in various Kootenai Health departments or other host businesses, student interns complete three rotations. They experience different fields like hospitality, laundry services, office and janitorial work.

The program is the beginning of a new adventure for most as they look for long-term employment with a deeper sense of independence.

Graduate Maddison Morrow thought she would enjoy working in a coffee shop, so she tried the “Big Blue” rotation at the coffee stand in Kootenai Health. She didn’t particularly like it and thought she might prefer an office setting, said Project SEARCH co-instructor Abbie Waters. Morrow also tried housekeeping.

“She always wants to challenge herself,” Waters said of Morrow. “We’re really proud of her for that.”

Morrow said her favorite memory about the program was “getting to know people, getting to know myself and getting through bad days.”

Morrow started her new position a week ago at Creekside Inn Memory Care. The job was advertised at a recent employment fair held at Real Life Ministries. After participating as a job shadow and in a formal interview, Morrow was hired.

“The job is really really good. I do laundry and housekeeping,” Morrow said. “I love the people. We communicate with smiles.”

The program has operated within the Coeur d’Alene School District for 12 years, and Moran has been part of it for all of them. The class of 2022 included the program's 100th graduate and has a current placement rate of 70%, Moran said.

“That’s the best outcome we’ve ever had this early in the year,” Moran said. “We really watch them evolve through the nine-month program.”

Each student took several minutes to talk at Wednesday's graduation ceremony to the packed audience about their Project SEARCH experience, where they are going next and their future goals. The students thanked their families for their heartfelt support, among other things.

“Project SEARCH has taught me to stand up for myself and be independent,” said graduate Tricia Powell, who is one of the newest assistants recently hired at the Highlands Day Spa.

Other 2022 graduates were hired at Triple Play, Doyle’s Wholesale, Locker Room Men’s Salon, T.J. Maxx and Shabby Fabrics.

“These young adults are amazing. This program is such an asset to our community,” said Scott Maben, Coeur d’Alene School District director of communications. “To see them become independent is so heartening and inspiring.”

Visit cdaschools.org/projectsearch for program information.