August 20, 2019
Media Contact: Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information Office, 410-313-2022
ELLICOTT CITY – On Wednesday, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Project SEARCH, a one-year program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their last year of high school. The program helps students gain employment and marketable work skills through an internship with Howard County government. Students in the program work with a team that includes their family, a special education teacher, and The Arc of Howard County to create an employment goal and support the student during this important transition from school to work. The MOU will extend Project SEARCH from 2019 to 2022.
“In Howard County we presume competence and are dedicated to expanding opportunity for all, regardless of ability. Our community continues to be a place where we support all our students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and I remain committed to ensuring they have everything they need to achieve individual success. Project SEARCH connects our participants to jobs, but more importantly the program promotes self-determination, independence, and full inclusion,” said Ball. “Over the years we have continued to grow, from 12 students to our most recent class of more than 60! By signing this MOU, we commit to growing this important program for years to come, in order to make Howard County a model, inclusive community.”
WHAT: MOU signing for Project SEARCH in Howard County
WHEN: Wednesday, August 21st at 2:30 PM
WHERE: George Howard Building (3430 Court House Dr # 100, Ellicott City, MD)
WHO: Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive
Cindy Parr, Arc of Howard County Executive Director
Michael J. Martirano, HCPSS Superintendent
Jill Pierce, Maryland State Department of Education