Members of Project SEARCH from McLaren and Clarkston Community Schools celebrate the first ever graduating class of the program. Photo provided.

As part of a statewide initiative, McLaren Oakland and Clarkston Community Schools have marked the completion of the inaugural year of its Project SEARCH partnership with the celebration of its first graduating class.
Project SEARCH is provides young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with additional training and education in professional environments following their completion of school.
McLaren Oakland partnered with Clarkston Community Schools last summer to provide the Pontiac-based hospital and McLaren Clarkston as host sites, at which Project SEARCH performed various non-clinical duties and assisted the staff.
The graduating class of 2024 are Daniel Crull, Elijah Jacobson, Mitchell Martin and Arielle Williams.
“When we were initially approached for this partnership, we were immediately impressed by their mission and passion for this project,” said Tracey Franovich, McLaren Oakland President and CEO. “These students were incredibly helpful and a joy to have at our Pontiac and Clarkston campuses, and we wish each of these graduates the very best in wherever life should take them.”
The 9 month, internship-style program for 18- to 26-year-olds, aims to provide its students with skills that will help them obtain competitive employment upon completion.
At McLaren Oakland and McLaren Clarkston, students worked with the staffs in the emergency department, breast center, diagnostic imaging department, and physical therapy, assisting in a variety of responsibilities, including greeting and directing patients, office work, contacting patients about appointment reminders, rounding on patients for comfort, along with other duties.
“I am extremely grateful for McLaren for partnering with Project SEARCH and Clarkston Community Schools,” said Jamie Peters, Clarkston Community Schools Project SEARCH instructor. “Without this partnership our interns would not have the opportunity to grow and learn, and this program has allowed them the opportunity to be included in the workforce. Congratulations to the first graduating class at McLaren.”
While this was the organization’s first partner in Clarkston, Project SEARCH has multiple partnerships and opportunities for its students in Oakland County and throughout the Metro Detroit area.
Learn more about all of the services available at McLaren Clarkston at mclaren.org/clarkston and McLaren Oakland at mclaren.org/oakland.