Fayette to launch Project SEARCH program

A national program that facilitates job training and placement for young people with disabilities will soon have a presence in Fayette County.

The Board of Education voted 5-0 on March 26 to fund a staff person and a parapro for a Project SEARCH program in partnership with Piedmont Fayette Hospital. High school seniors with intellectual or developmental challenges will do unpaid internships during the school year with the goal of gaining full-time employment afterwards. The school system will provide a skills curriculum and training at a cost of approximately $100,000. The program will start with about six students and expand to more later.