WENATCHEE, WA - Cheers, applause, and a few happy tears filled the Wenatchee Valley Performing Arts Center on June 10 as the largest class of Project SEARCH Stemilt interns graduated from the transition-to-work program. This year, nine students completed the hands-on internship experience designed to help young adults with disabilities gain skills for competitive employment. New to the program this year was the opportunity for interns to be paid, and an employment partnership with Mission Vista to set them up for long-term success.

“Thanks to our partners and this remarkable class, the future looks bright,” said Zach Williams, Director of People Experience at Stemilt, in a recent press release. “We’re proud to support a program that not only develops workforce-ready individuals but builds a stronger, more inclusive community.”

This year marked several “firsts” for Project Search at Stemilt, including the largest class ever, up from seven in the past year.

Additionally, interns can now be paid while participating in the program thanks to the support of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). A new collaboration with Mission Vista, a non-profit organization that provides supported living and vocational services to adults with developmental disabilities, also provides continued employment support after graduation to help interns transition into the workforce.

“All of our interns are eager to work,” said Eastmont Instructor Terry Brown. “Several have already been interviewed, and one, Franck Gaytan-Perez, has accepted a position with Confluence Health’s food service. Throughout the school year, they built practical job skills, improved communication, and grew into confident, young professionals now equipped to take the step into employment.”

This year’s graduating class includes Hunter Gooch, Ryan Kaipat, Alfonso Melchor, Franck Gaytan-Perez, Jessie Sahgun Ponce, Gaby Sanchez, Brielle Shelton, Gary Tovar, and Jay Wright. Behind the success of this program is a team of dedicated collaborators from Stemilt, Eastmont School District, DVR, and a committed Business Advisory Council. These community leaders have offered everything from mock interviews and business tours to job shadowing and mentorship.

Business Advisory Council Members:

• John Donaghy, Columbia Valley Community Health
• Rufus Woods, Wenatchee World
• Brie Winstanley, Confluence Health
• Matt Charlton, Eastmont School District
• Pete Kappler, Link Transit
• Zach Williams, Stemilt Growers
• Heidi Huddle, Allstate Agency Owner
• Michelle Jerden, Wenatchee YMCA
• Tamara Cardwell, Chelan-Douglas Developmental Disabilities Director
• Maria Holman, Chelan County PUD
• Randi Roberts, Wenatchee Valley Museum
• Katie Jackson, Mission Vista
• Francisco Sarmiento, Wenatchee Valley College
• Brogan Foster, YMCA, Director of Programs

“This group of interns has been incredible,” said Brown. “They took social risks, looked out for one another, and made huge strides in their independence. Watching them grow and support each other all year has been inspiring. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!”