🎓✨ Celebrating Ability, Growth, and New Beginnings! ✨🎓

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On May 21st, the CIL Employment Program proudly celebrated the 2nd annual Project SEARCH Graduation! 🎉 This incredible milestone marks the achievements of nine dedicated interns who spent the year rotating through various departments at UF Shands—including EVS, Dietary, Linens, Pharmacy, and more—all in pursuit of hands-on experience and meaningful employment opportunities.

Several interns impressed so much that they were offered jobs before graduation, while others began working immediately after completing the program. Their determination, hard work, and growth have truly inspired us.

We are honored to collaborate with Alachua County Public Schools, UF Shands, Project SEARCH, APD, and Vocational Rehabilitation to create pathways to employment and independence for students with disabilities. 💙

ID: image descriptions are provided in the alt text for each image respectively

A group of nine smiling young adults stand together in front of a projector screen during the 2024 Project SEARCH Graduation. Some wear work uniforms, including scrubs and ID badges, representing the departments they interned in. The atmosphere is joyful and celebratory. The bottom of the image features a purple graphic overlay with the text "PROJECT SEARCH GRADUATION" and the Center for Independent Living logo.
A collage of four photos from the 2024 Project SEARCH Internship Celebration and Appreciation Ceremony, bordered by a purple frame with the CIL logo in the center. The top left photo shows five individuals standing together and smiling in front of large windows. The top right photo features three women standing in front of a “Thank You” slide on a screen. The bottom left photo shows two women smiling in front of a presentation screen that reads “Project SEARCH Internship Celebration and Appreciation Ceremony.” The bottom right photo displays a decorated sheet cake with blue, orange, and white icing that reads “Congratulations Project Search Interns!”