The Spartan Project SEARCH team recently welcomed a special visitor to their Michigan State University site—Kristi James, Chief of Staff for State Senator Sarah Anthony. Her visit offered an inside look at the powerful work happening through this immersive program, which equips young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build employment skills and pursue competitive job opportunities.
Hosted in partnership with Ingham Intermediate School District, Project SEARCH is part of a statewide network of internship sites that offer real-world, career-focused training in inclusive settings. During her visit, Kristi met with interns to learn about their daily experiences, challenges, and achievements. Interns proudly shared stories of growth, described the workplace skills they’ve gained, and expressed their career goals moving forward.
The visit also prompted meaningful discussion about ways to support future cohorts, reduce barriers, and strengthen the pipeline from training to employment. Interns and staff expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect directly with a policymaker and share how programs like Project SEARCH are changing lives.
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Ingham ISD’s regional approach brings together 12 local districts, community partners, and professional learning opportunities to ensure students have access to consistent support and diverse postsecondary pathways. From special education coordination across the service area to Military Professional Development for educators, collaboration remains at the center of student success.
Through a partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ingham ISD welcomed local business leader Rocco Rucinski to Waverly High School as part of the “Principal for a Day” initiative. The experience strengthened connections between schools and the business community while highlighting opportunities for collaboration that support students and the future workforce.
