From: Young, Misty [mailto:YoungM@lincolnu.edu] Sent: Monday, April 13, 2015 4:52 PM Subject: Collaboration Provides Job Training for High School Students FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT MISTY YOUNG (573) 681-6032 April 13, 2015 COLLABORATION PROVIDES JOB TRAINING FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Jefferson City, MO- Lincoln University has entered into an agreement with six local, county and state agencies and organizations to provide job training for high school students with development disabilities. Project SEARCH is an agreement between the university; Jefferson City Public Schools; Missouri Rehabilitation and Employment Group (MORE); Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services; Vocational Rehabilitation within the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; Division of Developmental Disabilities within the Missouri Department of Mental Health; and Cole County Residential Services. As part of the program, students receive hands-on training in various jobs around the Lincoln University campus in areas such as dining services, grounds and maintenance and clerical work. Beginning in October 2014, the students worked a rotation through the various units to allow them to acquire skills across the board. In addition to job training, the students also were trained in interviewing, as well as public speaking. The students have begun interviewing for positions around the community, including with Lincoln University. Lincoln University President Dr. Kevin Rome says the new partnership is a great way to fulfill the mention of the university, while meeting the needs of the community. "This program is well aligned with the mission of our university, which is to provide excellent educational opportunities including theoretical and applied learning experiences to a diverse population within a nurturing, student-centered environment. It is important for any university to find innovative ways to serve the surrounding community. I'm grateful to be in an area that openly welcomes partnerships like Project SEARCH," says Rome. Governor Jay Nixon calls the program an important initiative to benefit the students. "We want to make sure all Missourians have an opportunity to pursue meaningful employment and live up to their God-given potential. Project SEARCH is a great way for hardworking young people with disabilities to gain the real-world experience and skills they need to succeed in the workforce and I applaud Lincoln University and Jefferson City Public schools for leading the way on this important initiative," says Nixon. The Lincoln University Project SEARCH program is modeled after a similar program at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The program runs through the academic year. The current students will take part in Lincoln University graduation activities on May 16, 2015. The next class of students will begin their rotation in Fall 2015. ### ABOUT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI: Lincoln University, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, was founded in 1866 by the enlisted men and officers of the 62nd and 65th Colored Infantries, following the close of the Civil War. It is the only institution of higher learning founded by veterans, the only 1890 Land-grant institution in the state of Missouri, and is the nation's oldest 1890 Land-grant university. Through the years, the university has been written into many success stories of its alumni, which include: Civil rights leader Lloyd Gaines'35; noted educator and first alumnus to serve as President of Lincoln University (retired) Dr. James Frank'53; Founder of Gates Bar-B-Q Ollie Gates'54; business woman and philanthropist Ann Walton Kroenke'72; U.S. Congressman (Missouri) Blaine Luetkemeyer'74; entrepreneur Valerie Daniels-Carter '78; NFL professional and eight-time Pro-bowl selection Lemar Parrish '96; and Olympic medalist (track) Lorraine Graham-Fenton'99. Misty Young Director, Office of University Relations 573-681-5580 www.lincolnu.edu<http://www.lincolnu.edu/>