Livingston Educational Service Agency's (LESA) Trinity Project SEARCH program was recognized on the national stage this July, earning an Excellence Award at the 19th Annual Project SEARCH Conference for achieving a 100% employment rate for its 2024-2025 intern cohort.
The annual conference being project SEARCH teams from across the county together to celebrate successes, share best practices, and learn new strategies for supporting young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, 31 Michigan representatives attended the conference, including Livingston ESA's Alana Anderson, Instructor Beck Precise, and LEAP Skills Trainers Abbey Schultz and Jodi McConnell.
Founded in 1996, Project SEARCH helps bridge the gap between school and employment for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an innovative Transition-to-Work program. The one-year, business-led program takes place entirely in a workplace, where interns combine classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. Participants spend at least 16 hours each week at their host business while earning a competitive wage and developing skills needed for long-term employment. Through its partnership with Trinity Health, Livingston ESA is able to offer Project SEARCH to students 18-26 years of age in Livingston County.
The Excellence Award is a national recognition presented to Project SEARCH sites that achieve exceptional employment outcomes. To qualify, at least nine months after completing the program, interns must be employed in competitive, integrated positions, work at least 16 hours per week, hold permanent (non-seasonal, non-temporary) jobs, and earn at least minimum wage.
All five members of the 2024-2025 intern cohort who successfully completed the program are now employed. Two interns accepted positions at Trinity Health Livingston, while the remaining three secured employment within their communities at Brighton Area Schools, Independence Village, and Mugg & Bopps.
"In addition to Trinity Project SEARCH earning the Excellence Award, Michigan was recognized as one of the only 10 states to receive statewide recognition for employment outcomes, ranking seventh nationally," said Alana Anderson, Director of Transition Services and Job Attainment. "We're also excited about the progress of our 2025-2026 cohort. Two interns are already working at Trinity Medical Center in Brighton, one has received an offer from a Hartland assisted living community, one has accepted a position at Mugg & Bopps, and one is actively seeking employment. We still have eight months remaining in the program, and I'm confident we'll help that intern secure employment."
Michigan's impact extended beyond the awards ceremony, with educators, vocational rehabilitation specialists, business partners, and program leaders presenting sessions throughout the conference.
"We had several presenters who delivered sessions that reflected the depth of expertise across our state," said Sarah Winslow, Statewide Program Director for Project SEARCH at the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education. "They shared innovative instructional practices, employment strategies, and collaborative approaches with host businesses."
The recognition reflects Livingston ESA's ongoing commitment to helping young adults build meaningful careers, achieve greater independence, and successfully transition to competitive employment.