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Last Friday we celebrated the amazing accomplishments of the Class of 2022 OW ProjectSEARCH graduates. Made possible by Jessica DelRosso, ProjectSEARCH Program Manager and Lynette Chavez, ProjectSEARCH Campus Coordinator the graduation was held in the Technology Center of Northern Essex Community College of Haverhill (NECC).

Project SEARCH Opportunity Works takes place on the campus of NECC over a 9-month period. Participants begin and end each day with work readiness classes covering topics like job interviews, résumé writing, teamwork, professionalism, and technology in the workplace. In between the classroom learning, students spend their time interning in different Northern Essex departments. Over the course of the school year, students intern for three months in a different department. 

This group of graduates had a particularly unique experience with ProjectSEARCH as they are the only group to have a 2 year term due to COVID-19. As the campus was closed, and then operating remotely, ProjectSEARCH had to do the same. Once some restrictions were eventually lifted, the 7 interns were able to meet in person and begin their internships. Because of COVID-19 there were also new opportunities for internships such as the NECC COVID Team.

We heard some great speeches from Michael McCarthy, Chief Financial and Operating Officer of NECC, Pam Ross, Direct Support Staff and Supervisor at Perfect Blend Café, Jessica DelRosso, ProjectSEARCH Program Manager and Lynette Chavez, ProjectSEARCH Campus Coordinator, and each of the graduates themselves!

Congratulations to the Class of 2022 ProjectSEARCH Graduates: Ross Barton, Brianna Caissie, Greer Candage, David Santos, Alexandra Talbot, Daniela Zorrilla, and James Keith. We are SO proud of you!!!

THANK YOU to… 

Michael McCarthy, NECC Chief Financial and Operating Officer and Allison Pistone Gagne, Liaison.

NECC Supervisors: Officer Carlos & all the NECC officers, Steve DiLeo, Stephanie Haskell, Linda Hudson, Julie Jordan, Helen Mansur, Jeff Mejia, Pam Ross, Sharon Schoolcraft, Aimee Stevens, Kathleen Teixeira & DDS, MRC, parents, guardians & caregivers.

Links to previous posts highlighting the work of the ProjectSEARCH interns:

https://www.opportunityworks.org/memorial-day-messages/

https://www.opportunityworks.org/program-spotlight-projectsearch-discusses-the-importance-of-mental-health/