Project Search giving opportunities to deserving workers

Program helping those with developmental disabilities find jobs and gain independance

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)-The Cornhusker Hotel is being recognized for its disability and inclusion award.  With so many businesses looking to hire, the staff is highlighting the importance of hiring those with developmental disabilities.

Project search is an unpaid internship program that gives special needs students in high school, real-life work experience which helps them transition from school to adult working lives.  The Cornhusker Hotel gives students outside of Lincoln, the opportunity to join the program.  I spoke with two interns who love their jobs and are excited about their futures.

“When I was in engineering at first it was kind of nerve-wracking because I didn’t know what to do. Throughout this rotation, I have got to learn lots of new things like how to fix a closet door and I even took the face off of a boiler and got to use tools and how to fix it. That was definitely an experience I’m never going to forget it, it was amazing,” said Cody Lintner an Intern at the Cornhusker Hotel through Project Search.

Another intern shared how he is able to make food for his friends, with skills he learned in the kitchen.

“Basically getting to help cook for people. I just really like working in general,” said Dylan Hesselgesser an Intern at the Cornhusker Hotel through Project Search.

The goal of this program is to help place those with special needs into jobs and give them the opportunity for independence.

“After I graduate in May, I am hoping to maybe find a job somewhere in Lincoln or somewhere near me. Maybe have an apartment someday,” said Lintner.

All participants must apply and interview for the program so that they are ready to do the same for their full-time jobs.

“I think it definitely helps when you practice with people. My dad always says the more you practice the more you get better,” said Lintner.

This year, interns come from districts in Norris, Waverly, Crete, Syracuse, and Sterling.

“Their districts bring them in every morning in a van a car a whatever to the hotel, and then they are here all day,” said Stacy Buescher Project Search instructor at the Cornhusker Hotel.

On top of working in different areas of the hotel, they also learn life skills.

“Working on things such as technology, financial literacy, health and wellness, budgeting,” said Buescher.

“I think the favorite thing that I like about project search is like being able to learn new skills for being independent when you are on your own,” said Lintner.

Susan Madsen is the general manager at the Cornhusker Hotel.  She has seen so many individuals grow throughout this program.

“At the beginning of the year, these students are typically very shy and lack confidence. At the end of the year by May, they are interviewing and have their resume and ready to go to work full time. Some are looking forward to their independence, some of them are driving at the end of the year, they learn how to ride the bus and how to get to work on their own,” said Susan Madsen General Manager of the Cornhusker Hotel by Marriot.

“I think that this rotation and this project search will definitely help me in my future. I think it’s going to be amazing,” said Lintner.