Students with disabilities complete Goodwill's Project SEARCH, preparing them for the workforce

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Wednesday, June 1, Karley Robe and six other senior high school students graduated from Goodwill's Project SEARCH, an internship program that prepares students with disabilities for the workforce. 

Project SEARCH partners with local Racine employers like Andis. It's all a collaboration with division of vocational rehabilitation and the Department of Health Services. 

"They spend the entire school year at the employer's site which is Andis. They rotate through a series of different jobs to help them learn about the workplace," said Kathy Jirard, Goodwill Industries.

The program is specifically designed for students with disabilities. 

"Sometimes they just need a little more additional support that folks without disabilities may not need," said Kathy Girard, Goodwill Industries. 

"They really give the work experience so she's gotten a really good basis to be a hardworking person in the future," said Stacey Robe, Robe's mother. 

Kathy Jirard with Goodwill Industries says there's proof the program works. 

"Typically Wisconsin Project SEARCH locations, interns who finish the program have probably about a 76 percent rate of finding employment after they have completed the program," said Jirard. 

Robe left the ceremony a little nervous but excited for what the future holds. 

"I'm feeling so awesome, it's been a long journey but I got through," said Robe.