The newest Project SEARCH interns with their instructors at Stemilt Growers, where students complete paid internships as part of a 10-month program. Eastmont staff say the experience benefits both sides: helping interns grow while strengthening local workplaces.
Every morning at Stemilt Growers, a small group of Eastmont students arrive ready for a day of real-world work. They’ve already completed their high school graduation requirements, but remain enrolled in Eastmont through Project SEARCH, a program that keeps them connected to school while building the skills to thrive as working adults in our community.
Through this program, interns complete three paid internships during the year, rotating through departments such as quality control, accounts payable, IT, shipping, retail, and production, as well as externships with community partners like Confluence Health, the YMCA, Wenatchee Valley Museum, and Chelan County PUD. Interns earn minimum wage while gaining authentic workplace experience that blends classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training. The ultimate goal is competitive employment, with each intern receiving individualized job development support.
Project SEARCH Instructor Terry Brown explained, “We need this. Without Project SEARCH, what are the other options for students in a transitional program? … These interns are paving the way for future students. [They] can do the job.” For interns, this is validating; for Stemilt, it is proof that an inclusive workplace benefits everyone.
Launched with Eastmont in 2022, Project SEARCH is among the few programs of its kind in Central Washington, and one of only five across the state. Globally, almost 800 programs operate with the same mission: to prepare young adults with disabilities for meaningful employment and greater independence.
Beyond employability, interns gain daily living skills, from navigating Link Transit to managing their own budgets. Terry shared that students often emerge with “the confidence in themselves to navigate their life” and feel “treated like an adult and come out of their shell.”
Eastmont’s Transition Specialist Tina Gorman noted, “We want families to know that this is the good next step for their students. The most rewarding part of working alongside Project SEARCH interns is seeing their growth…watching them gain new skills, confidence, and independence.”
The benefits extend to businesses and the community as well. “Hiring a graduate fosters a more diverse workforce and strengthens company culture. Many interns bring strong motivation and are supported by community job coaches,” shared Gorman. Community members can also support by promoting inclusivity, offering tours and internships, and helping secure job placements for interns as they finish the program.
As Skills Trainer Heather Houtz put it: “These kids stay in our community and this is a 100% direct investment in improving our community culture.” The interns’ dreams for the future are clear: jobs right here at home as mechanics, vet techs, IT support, park rangers, linemen, and more.
Project SEARCH shows what’s possible through career-connected learning, bringing Eastmont’s vision to life: every student competent, confident, and compassionate.
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