BURTON, Mich. – The Greater Flint community celebrated a milestone as Meijer graduated its first class of Project SEARCH interns, marking the successful completion of a 9-month program designed to prepare students with disabilities for the workforce.
Six students from Kearsley Community Schools, part of the Genesee Intermediate School District, completed their internships at the Burton Meijer, gaining hands-on experience in grocery stocking, bakery operations, and other store departments since the program’s launch in September 2024.
Project SEARCH, founded nearly 30 years ago at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, has expanded across North America, Europe, and Australia, helping students with disabilities develop job skills, independence, and confidence.
“It’s about creating alternative pathways for these students to develop work skills that allow them to integrate into the workforce,” said Brendan Birchmeier, Burton Meijer store director. “They’ve learned not just job skills, but how to navigate the world with independence and confidence. They’ve become more open, more resilient — it’s been incredible to witness.”
Some graduates have already secured employment with Meijer, while Birchmeier and the Project SEARCH team are actively working to connect the remaining students with other local employers who value their skills and dedication.
“This is just the beginning,” Birchmeier said. “We're actively working to place each graduate in roles that match their talents. They've proven themselves here, and now, we want to see them thrive in the broader job market.”
The graduation ceremony closed with cheers and applause, honoring the students’ growth and determination while underscoring the community’s commitment to inclusive workforce development.
For more information on Project SEARCH and its programs, visit projectsearch.us.
