Project Search helping integrate students into the work force

Project Search is a program designed to help disabled students.

Several state agencies and the public school district came to Lincoln University wanting their help in launching the program.

It officially started up in October of 2014 and leaders of the group said they expect it to keep growing.

“It’s empowerment, it gives them confidence and integrates them into the mainstream,” said Lincoln University President Kevin Rome.

“Those individuals in our country who have disabilities are kind of sidelined and pushed to the side,” said Rome.

Shawn Bernal and Ryan Isbell said the program has helped them break out of their shells and come into society.

“I think everyone should do it,” said Isbell.

“It shouldn’t just be like for people with disabilities it should be for everyone,” said Bernal.

Bernal and Isbell said the program has allowed them to work and do things like office administration work, cleaning, and even building things.

Rome said he feels Lincoln should partner with all organizations in the community because the University is a big part of it.