FIRST CLASS — Members of the inaugural intern class for Project SEARCH at WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center were introduced during a ceremony held at the hospital Monday. In partnership with Hancock County Schools, the program offers job training opportunities for high school seniors with intellectual or developmental disabilities. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — A community partnership is all about providing opportunities for a group of local youths.

Officials with WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center and Hancock County Schools came together Monday to formally announce the launch of Project SEARCH at the hospital.

Founded at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Project SEARCH has become a nationwide program providing educational opportunities and real-world work experience for high school seniors with intellectual or development disabilities.

The program was first brought to West Virginia through WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.

“We are honored to become only the second location in West Virginia to offer this program,” said Clayton Henderson, chief operating officer at WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center.

NEW LOCATION — Clayton Henderson, chief operating officer of WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center, noted the hospital is only the second location in West Virginia to offer the Project SEARCH program. -- Craig Howell

The one-year program combines structured classroom instruction, career exploration and hands-on work experience, all taking place within the hospital.

Through Project SEARCH, selected students will work alongside hospital employees, be provided training and will be stepping into positions in a variety of roles in hospital departments, including housekeeping, dietary, laundry, materials management and facilities.

Carrie Gillette, a Weir High teacher who will be among those serving as instructors for the program, expressed pride in the students who will be taking part in the inaugural class, while thanking WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center and the school district for making it possible.

“We’ve had a wonderful year in the making, getting this up and running,” Gillette said.

In addition to the hospital and school system, the program has been supported through the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.

INSTRUCTORS — Carrie Gillette, left, and Kayla Violet are among the program instructors involved in the launch of Project SEARCH. -- Craig Howell

Among the Project SEARCH interns selected to take part in the inaugural class, Zu’kyra Baltimore expressed hope and excitement for herself and her classmates.

“It’s an opportunity for everyone,” she said. “Everyone will get to try different things.”

Ezell Grays compared the program to “a mini-world,” saying the training available to the class will better prepare them for future employment.

“It can help get you to the big world,” he said. “I know this will be big for my future.”

Jayden Davis, meanwhile, recognized the uniqueness of the opportunities provided through Project SEARCH.

Erica Sauer, director of special programs for Hancock County Schools, explained each student went through an interview process and skills assessment last spring as part of the selection for the program.

Weir High Principal Sean Blumette noted Project SEARCH was one of the first things he was presented after being named to the post in late July.

“This is wonderful for our students. We look forward to being a part of it,” he said, while telling the students, as the first participants, they are setting the bar for the future of the program.

Project SEARCH was launched in 1996. It came to West Virginia in 2019.