Students with disabilities obtain job skills through a partnership with Project Search.
The international program links these young adults with three 10-week internships during the course of the school year. The end goal is meaningful employment in the local community and host business.
This school year the students are working at the main office buildings and local schools. Project Search helps the young adults master work and social skills, providing them with the tools needed for a successful career.
On Aug. 30, the young adults completed a community service project at the Jacksonville Zoo. They assisted in cleaning the zoo grounds and were then excited to support the opening of the new manatee rehabilitation facility, including witnessing the release of two manatees into the tanks by the staff of Sea World and the Jacksonville Zoo.
On Sept. 1 they assisted in a cleaning and restoration project at Fort Clinch State Park and impressed park staff with their work ethic.
The students met their internship mentors Sept. 4 and officially began their internships Sept. 18. Internship opportunities include custodial assistant, culinary assistant, maintenance assistant and office assistant. The positions are utilized at Fernandina Beach middle and high schools and the Nassau County School District office.