Rockford Public Schools in collaboration with RAMP recently hosted a Reverse Job Fair at Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Rockford. Students with intellectual disabilities ranging in age from 18-22 have been working hard over the course of this school year to learn entry-level employability skills through our internship program, Project SEARCH.
They have gone through extensive training in three different departments at their respective internship locations which include Mercyhealth and Embassy Suites. As their internships are coming to an end soon, our goal is to help them secure competitive, paid employment in the community.
In hopes of exposing our interns to a multitude of job opportunities, employers from all over our community were invited to attend this Reverse Job Fair. However, this job fair was different from most in that businesses were hopping from table to table to learn more about our interns, instead of the other way around. To help spark conversation, our Project SEARCH interns created displays that showcased their skills and talents. In addition, interns had their resumes available for inquiry by the business partners. This event not only provided an opportunity for employers to connect with numerous ready-to-hire job seekers, but it allowed them to truly learn all that our students are capable of, despite their disability.
Our community partners were able to see everything our interns have gained throughout their internships and develop a better understanding as to how these individuals can help serve their business. Raegan Pena with Fastenal commented, “It was a pleasure getting to know the interns! We had great conversations with each of them. It was wonderful hearing about their experiences and seeing them take pride in their work. Each intern spoke very highly of the Project SEARCH program, and I think that says a lot about what it’s doing for them and the community.” As a result of the Reverse Job Fair, one intern has already accepted a position with GE, and multiple interviews are in the works with other prospective employers that were in attendance that day.
When it comes to helping our interns apply and interview for open positions, our Project SEARCH Employment Specialists play a pivotal role. They have been training the interns throughout the year and will be a key asset when it comes to onboarding them once they are hired. Our Employment Specialists will make sure our interns are successful in the work setting by providing accommodations and modifications as necessary, and working with the businesses to make sure it is a smooth transition.
GE Aerospace, ASM Rockford, UPS, Fastenal, and Beef-A-Roo were a few of the community partners that participated in our first ever Reverse Job Fair. We appreciate that so many businesses within our community are willing to embrace diversity in their workplace. We look forward to expanding our partnerships with each Project SEARCH graduating class!
Jordan was born and raised in Rockford. She obtained her Elementary and Special Education degree at Lewis University in 2009. This is her 15th year working in RPS 205. She started as a special education teacher at Guilford High School and has now been serving as the Special Education Academy Coach for the last 5 years.