Project SEARCH is a faster way forward for individuals between 18-28 years old who have graduated high school and have a disability that is a barrier to employment. It is a 9-month internship that helps to build professional skills, and through a partnership with West-MEC, there are currently host sites at the Renaissance and SanMAR Distribution.
West-MEC is happy to have two locations of Project SEARCH and three next year if the Luke Air Force Base location is re-approved.
A former Project SEARCH intern is Westyn Smith. After completing the 9-month internship in 2019 at the Renaissance Hotel location, he landed a job with the Renaissance doing laundry and has worked his way up to be a house person, a role he enjoys.
“I set up a lot of the rooms and Iike it a lot more than laundry,” said Smith. “I’m able to move around a lot more.”
Besides his primary duties as a house person, he is a mentor for current Project SEARCH interns, teaching them the ropes and how to be successful during the internship.
His pathway is a proven framework for success, and it shows that with hard work and determination, the current interns can achieve their goals too. Smith is happy to be able to give back to the program that helped him earn opportunities with the Rennaissance and hopes his mentorship can help other interns achieve that as well.
“I teach them basic job skills,” said Smith. “I’m happy to help out because I really liked my time with Project SEARCH.”
As a native Arizonian who went to Paradise Valley High School, Smith is an avid Arizona sports fan, especially the Phoenix Suns. He also loves to travel, and his favorite place he has been to is France. He hopes to continue to see new and cool places in the future.
His goals are to continue working his way up the ladder at the Renaissance, but he is enjoying his role very much now. He is grateful for the Project SEARCH program that helped him develop his work and professional skills and is thankful for the opportunities he has earned from his time with the program.
