Project SEARCH Interns Land Full-Time Jobs at J. Allen Automotive: A Milestone Moment
Gulfport, Miss. (WLOX) — On Thursday, two young men reached an important landmark thanks to the Project SEARCH program, which is a distinctive effort aimed at assisting young adults with learning challenges as they move toward finding significant jobs.
J. Allen Automotive celebrated Karsten Dyess and Anzio Sterling, alumni from Harrison Central High School participating in the national young adult work program aimed at ages 18 to 36. This initiative provides practical job experience via three consecutive ten-week phases.
“It’s a program designed for high school students to move toward an adult program, where we equip them with skills needed to join the automotive sector,” clarified Project SEARCH instructor Danny Wasilenko.
Dyess and Sterling have become permanent employees—Dyess as an experience liaison and Sterling as an express technician. They both joined the program lacking confidence yet departed with a firm sense of purpose.
Ten months down the line, we can now provide these individuals with full-time jobs,” stated Jonathan Allen, CEO of J. Allen Automotive. “We’re thrilled to partner with Project SEARCH.
Dyess explained, “They reminded us daily, ‘Make an appearance and demonstrate your worth, as you never know who might be observing.’”
“Keep yourself occupied,” Sterling said. “Even if you have no tasks at hand, create some work for yourself. That’s my approach.”
Having graduated its inaugural class in Mississippi way back in 2019, Project SEARCH has quickly expanded—now running operations across 28 locations throughout the state. This growth encompasses an innovative setting along the coast: the planet’s very first partner site located within an automobile dealership.
It succeeds due to the large number of collaborators engaged, with everyone putting in tremendous effort collectively,” said Faye Culpepper, who serves as the Project SEARCH Director for Mississippi and also oversees the Division for the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS). “Raising a child requires an entire community, just like helping individuals find employment necessitates a strong team effort, which they truly merit.
With proud families and mentors watching, Dyess and Sterling serve as evidence that when provided with appropriate backing and chances, young individuals with disabilities can flourish. They have now become full-time professionals.
To learn more about Project SEARCH and its role in broadening chances throughout Mississippi, check out this link.
www.mdrs.ms.gov
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