BUSINESS
Project SEARCH Internship opportunities help high school graduates
Project SEARCH interns, instructors and U.S. Air Force Maj. Tomika Smith, left, 56th Force Support Squadron operations officer and interim commander, participate in a Project SEARCH graduation on May 20 at the Renaissance Hotel, Glendale. (Photos special to Sound of Freedom)
BY STAFF SGT. COLLETTE BROOKS 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
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uke Air Force Base’s partnership with Western Maricopa Education Center Project SEARCH provides community support through internship opportunities focused on professional development, personal growth and technical skill enhancement. The nine-month program offers high school graduates ages 18 to 26, with significant disabilities, an immersive experience where they work side by side with Luke airmen to increase their knowledge and marketable job skills set. As Luke prepared for the internship’s fourth iteration in August, which paired eight interns with nine work centers, Dennis Parker, Project SEARCH intern, who completed the program in May, says it was an incredible experience that gave him an opportunity for self-improvement. “My favorite part about working on base was getting to know my mentors and the airmen,”
Parker says. “I also enjoy that I have learned how to be a better employee, workplace performer and workplace conflict solver.” “About three years ago, the Project SEARCH team presented this program to myself and the 56th Mission Support Group commander (at that time), Col. Robert Sylvester,” says James McCarty, 56th Force Support Squadron Airman & Family Readiness Center flight chief. “We took a look at the program and determined we had credible places around base that could offer the support and work environment that these young people could not only benefit from but grow into.” McCarty adds the goal of the program is to take a person who may not otherwise have the chance to work and equip them with tools they need to enhance their self-sustaining capabilities. Through this career-focused program, interns expand various skill sets such as communication, socialization and teamwork while simultaneously increasing their confidence and hands-on work experience. “Project SEARCH is an international pro-
gram model empowering young adults with significant disabilities to make a successful transition from school to adult life,” says Tiffany MacKenzie, West-MEC Project SEARCH instructor. “Participants will be taught relevant, marketable skills while immersed in the working world, which increases their sense of responsibility and overall quality of life.” The interns can build their confidence while acquiring valuable employment skills through real work experiences. Participants have interned at various areas around base to include vehicle maintenance, Airman & Family Readiness Center, Club Five Six, Falcon Dunes Golf Course, 56th Medical Group pharmacy, Bryant Fitness Center and the Airman’s Attic. Not only does this program offer interns the opportunity to increase their probability of securing meaningful and competitive employment, but they gain an outlet to generate profound connections with Luke AFB members. While the interns are developing their newfound skills, Luke AFB mentors can achieve something just as special. “With this program, there’s actually an in-
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 |
Sound of Freedom
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