The Sconi

Central Wisconsin teenager Rapids Khang has found a fitting opportunity at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital through Project SEARCH. At 19, Rapids is among 11 students graduating from the program this year, hosted by one of 29 Wisconsin businesses during the 2024-25 school year.

"Initially I heard about Project SEARCH through the teachers at my high school," said Rapids. "The Project SEARCH instructor came over to our school and gave a presentation. My teachers assisted me with completing the application and getting me to skills day."

Project SEARCH is a nine-month initiative run by the Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) in Wisconsin. It offers students with disabilities hands-on job training via workplace rotations at local businesses, alongside classroom instruction from local schools and support from disability service providers. DVR provides job search assistance and individualized support during and after the program.

Rapids completed two job rotations at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids. His first was in food and nutrition, where he managed inventory, stocked kitchens, cleaned dishes, and prepped meals for delivery.

"I learned there are many tasks involved in working in this department and I liked that a lot," said Rapids. "I enjoy being busy and I was eager to learn more about the kitchen and its duties."

His second rotation led to a permanent role: "The thing I am most proud of in applying to Project SEARCH is obtaining my current position at the hospital." He now works part-time as a dietary aide with responsibilities including delivering food trays, helping with food prep, assembling home-delivery meals, retrieving trays from patients, and dishwashing.

"I enjoy helping in all areas," he said. "My instructor and job coaches helped a lot, and I feel my coworkers in the kitchen were very supportive."

This year marks both Rapids' personal achievement with his new job and Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital's tenth anniversary as a Project SEARCH host site.

"The class of 2025 is our tenth graduating class from the Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Project SEARCH program," said Jane Walczak, system manager of organizational learning and development at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital. "I am so proud to work for an organization that supports such a valuable program."

Walczak noted how staff embraced their first group of interns ten years ago: "I truly believe that the positive impact the Project SEARCH program has for the interns is equaled by the positive impact it has on our staff and our culture."

She praised Rapids' growth: "Rapids is a great example of the progression an intern can make as a participant in the Project SEARCH program."

Hospital leadership also recognized his efforts: "More than one leader made mention on how impressed they were with Rapids," Walczak added.

Project SEARCH teaches transferable job skills while promoting competitive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities alongside their peers without disabilities. Since its inception at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in 1996, it has expanded globally to over 750 sites. In Wisconsin alone since 2008, more than 2,000 individuals have benefited from workforce training across 29 sites statewide.

Governor Tony Evers declared June 2-8 as Project SEARCH Week in recognition of these efforts.

For further details on DVR's initiatives or participation opportunities within Wisconsin’s programs like this one please visit their official website dedicated specifically towards providing information regarding various aspects related directly back into supporting people living here locally who may need assistance finding meaningful employment options tailored specifically around meeting individual needs wherever possible given current circumstances surrounding them today!