SUNY Cobleskill graduated its second cohort of Project SEARCH interns in May 2025, celebrating five participants who completed the job experience program on campus, a dual initiative between the College and ARC Lexington. Congratulations to Bradley Bateman, Brandon Benton, Jared Burt, Fred Hanford, and Nathan Kuehnle.
SUNY Cobleskill became a host site for Project SEARCH in the 2023-24 academic year, welcoming to campus a program that helps individuals with developmental differences secure competitive employment. The program provides internships in various departments over the course of the academic year, assisting participants to develop job skills and gain experience in fields such as dining services, athletics, custodial and mail room operations.
With a strong success rate nationally, Project SEARCH demonstrates the power of inclusive learning and community partnership, bridging the gap between education and employment. The College partners with The Arc Lexington to make this program possible.
“These graduates have enriched our entire campus, and in the process, they’ve shown tremendous growth in their professional and personal interaction skills,” said Dr. Darcy Medica, SUNY Cobleskill’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “They stepped up to the challenges before them, expanding their capabilities far beyond the expectations of their mentors. Each intern has gained valuable experience that has allowed them to become more independent and confident, taking the initiative to complete tasks and adapt to new professional environments.”
Five students graduated in 2024 as the College’s first Project SEARCH cohort as a host site.
About Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is a groundbreaking program that challenges traditional expectations and empowers young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve competitive employment. Visit www.projectsearch.us.
