Durham Catholic District School Board Celebrates Project SEARCH Class of 2025 and Welcomes Project SEARCH Class of 2026

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On Friday, June 20, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) and Lakeridge Gardens recognized the Project SEARCH Class of 2025 at a special graduation celebration in Ajax. This exciting occasion was led by Project SEARCH teachers, skills trainers, and program leads. The interns shared their favourite moments of the year with their classmates, Lakeridge Gardens mentors, and residents at the long-term care home.

After a memorable slideshow and speeches by interns Sophia G., Curt M., and Lakeridge Gardens staff, the Project SEARCH class of 2026 was warmly welcomed by the 2025 graduating class. Incoming Project SEARCH interns then participated in a signing ceremony where interns were called up individually to sign their contract and received Project SEARCH uniforms. At the end of the ceremony, all the interns and the teams that support them throughout the Project SEARCH program were invited for a group photo in celebration of their accomplishments. Congratulations to the Project SEARCH graduating class of 2025 and welcome to the class of 2026!

Project SEARCH is an internationally successful 10-month transition-to-work program for young adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. The primary objective is to secure competitive and meaningful employment for persons with disabilities after high school. This is the second successful Project SEARCH graduating class at DCDSB. The program was first held in the 2023-2024 school year, where 10 interns also successfully completed the program. With these two groups, the DCDSB along with its partners from the program have assisted 19 Project SEARCH interns to each gain over 700 hours of employment skills training that can be transferred to gaining employment within the community. The DCDSB will welcome six interns for the 2025-2026 school year.

Learn more about Project SEARCH at dcdsb.ca/ProjectSEARCH.