Celebrating the Success of Eight Project SEARCH Graduates

Posted on July 23, 2026 by CIL Podcast Team

The CIL is proud to celebrate an exciting milestone for eight remarkable Project SEARCH interns who have successfully completed the program and achieved employment at UF Health Shands Hospital.

Congratulations to Malachai, Larry, Demetric, Ricky, Shamya, Brooklyn, Breck, and Chris on this incredible accomplishment. Their graduation represents the culmination of a year filled with learning, determination, and personal growth, while also marking the beginning of meaningful careers in an inclusive workplace.

During the graduation ceremony, each intern received a certificate recognizing their dedication, perseverance, and the progress they made throughout the program. The celebration brought together family members, department mentors, managers, and supporters who have played an important role in each intern’s journey. It was a meaningful opportunity to recognize not only what these graduates have achieved, but also the community that helped make their success possible.

Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized transition-to-work program that prepares young adults with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment through immersive workplace experiences. By participating in hands-on internships, developing transferable job skills, and receiving individualized support, participants gain the confidence and experience needed to build successful careers.

The success of this year’s graduates demonstrates the impact that inclusive employment opportunities can have when employers, mentors, families, and community organizations work together. Programs like Project SEARCH help create pathways to employment while empowering individuals to reach their goals and contribute their talents in meaningful ways.

The CIL is honored to support initiatives that promote independence, employment, and community inclusion. We are grateful to the dedicated staff, mentors, managers, families, and the team at UF Health Shands Hospital who invest their time and expertise to help participants succeed.

Most importantly, we congratulate Malachai, Larry, Demetric, Ricky, Shamya, Brooklyn, Breck, and Chris on this well-earned achievement. We look forward to watching each of you continue to grow and thrive in your new careers.

Congratulations, graduates!

ID: A group of eight Project SEARCH graduates stand together with program staff, mentors, and supporters during a graduation celebration at UF Health Shands Hospital. The graduates are dressed in business attire and smiling as they pose for a group photo in front of a projection screen. A blue banner at the bottom of the image reads, "Project SEARCH Graduation," followed by the text, "Eight Project SEARCH graduates were recognized for completing the program and launching their careers at UF Health Shands Hospital." The event celebrates the graduates' successful completion of the internship program and their transition into competitive employment.
ID: A two-photo collage from a Project SEARCH graduation celebration at UF Health Shands Hospital. In the top photo, a Project SEARCH graduate stands at a podium, speaking into a microphone while sharing reflections during the ceremony. A presentation slide is displayed behind them, and large windows overlook the surrounding campus. In the bottom photo, graduates, families, mentors, coworkers, and supporters gather around decorated tables for the celebration. Blue star-shaped balloons and graduation-themed decorations fill the room as attendees enjoy the event and celebrate the graduates' successful completion of the program and transition into employment.
ID: A two-photo collage from a Project SEARCH graduation celebration at UF Health Shands Hospital. In the top photo, a graduate wearing a blue dress smiles while standing beside a program leader who presents them with a recognition plaque during the ceremony. In the bottom photo, the same program leader speaks at a podium while recognizing the contributions of Project SEARCH staff and mentors. Another staff member stands nearby as attendees celebrate the graduates' accomplishments. Large windows in the background overlook a tree-lined campus, creating a bright and welcoming setting for the event.
A two-photo collage from a Project SEARCH graduation ceremony at UF Health Shands Hospital. In the top photo, a guest speaker stands at a podium, speaking into a microphone while a presentation highlighting the Project SEARCH program is displayed on a screen behind them. In the bottom photo, another speaker addresses graduates, families, mentors, and supporters during the celebration. Large windows overlooking a tree-lined campus provide a bright backdrop for the event. At the bottom of the graphic are the logos for the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida and Project SEARCH, recognizing their partnership in supporting inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.