Aspirus Stevens Point has launched Project SEARCH, a one-year program aimed at helping young people gain workplace experience and skills to prepare for future employment. The initiative focuses on students with disabilities or those seeking career development opportunities, offering them classroom instruction, career exploration, and on-the-job training through multiple 10-week rotations in different departments.
Adam Tews, Environmental Services Manager and program lead at Aspirus Stevens Point, said, “I feel that the reward of teaching young people some working skills that they may not easily receive from other places is a nice give back to our community. We are not necessarily doing this to build them to our needs with Aspirus, but to help everyone in the community.”
The program builds on similar efforts at other Aspirus locations across Wisconsin and uses the established framework of the international Project SEARCH network. Tews noted his previous involvement with Project SEARCH in Marshfield and its success at other Aspirus sites as reasons for bringing the program to Stevens Point. “It was a combination of my history with the Project SEARCH program when I worked in Marshfield as well as its success already at some of our other Aspirus sites,” he said.
Participants will work in various departments within Aspirus Stevens Point, gaining practical job skills and confidence. The organization aims to provide training, mentorship, and supportive work environments so interns can move into meaningful employment.
Aspirus Stevens Point now joins other locations in using Project SEARCH to support youth empowerment and workforce development.
For more information about the Project SEARCH program at Aspirus Stevens Point, contact Adam Tews at 715.346.5188 or visit aspirus.org.
