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With proud families, friends, mentors, former interns, community partners, and UVA Health leaders filling the room, the recent 2026 Project SEARCH graduation ceremony celebrated far more than the completion of an internship program. It celebrated growth, confidence, achievement, and the limitless potential of young adults entering the workforce.

The success of Project SEARCH is made possible through a strong partnership among UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, Prince William County Public Schools Special Education, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and Didlake Inc., all working together to provide meaningful workplace experiences and career pathways for young adults with disabilities.

Fourteen Years of Impact

The graduating class marks the 14th year of the UVA Health Project SEARCH program at Prince William Medical Center. Since its launch in September 2011, 116 interns have graduated, with 14 currently employed at UVA Health, including recent graduate Alayna Hall, who has accepted a position in Food Services at Prince William Medical Center in Manassas, Virginia.

Community Leaders Celebrate the Graduates

Delivering remarks during the ceremony: Mike Barkema, Assistant Vice President of Operations, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center; Ashley Reyher, PhD, Associate Superintendent of Special Education, Prince William County Public Schools; Tracy Harrington, Northern Virginia District Director for DARS; and Kenan Aden, Chief Operating Officer, Didlake, Inc.

Barkema shared personal reflections on each graduate's journey and accomplishments, highlighting the growth and resilience demonstrated throughout the year.

Success Stories

Each graduate left a lasting impression on instructors, mentors, and team members:

• Damian quickly mastered the complex process of preparing N95 masks. 
• Kofi strengthened his communication and social skills. 
• Tayvion gained valuable housekeeping experience. 
• Welman developed confidence and learned to advocate for himself while taking pride in his accomplishments. 
• In Supply Chain, Arbaz became known as the "King of Expiration Checks" for his attention to detail and commitment to patient safety by ensuring expired products are removed from patient care areas.
• For Godfrey, the program reinforced that no one is a stranger. Known affectionately as the "Mayor of UVA Health Prince William Medical Center," his ability to connect with others has made him a familiar and welcoming presence throughout the medical center.
• Kenton's journey showcased the power of confidence-building. Through encouragement from supervisors and rehabilitation teams, he gained self-assurance while demonstrating his abilities in the workplace.

"Project SEARCH has been a tremendous support to our hospital while giving students the opportunity to make a real impact," says Kristopher White, CQIA, Supervisor, Supply Chain Operations, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center.

Building Friendships and Lasting Memories

The graduates also created unforgettable memories together throughout the year.

During the Christmas parade, Di'Angelo enthusiastically declared it the "Best Christmas Parade... EVER," capturing the excitement and camaraderie shared by the entire group.

As each intern was recognized during graduation, the audience erupted with cheers. Family members, friends, and coworkers offered words of encouragement, while the graduates supported one another with high-fives, laughter, and reassurance, reflecting the close bonds formed throughout the program.

Community That Feels Like Family

The spirit of Project SEARCH extends well beyond graduation day.

Former interns return as mentors, team members invest in each participant's success, and families, instructors, and leaders rally around the program. Together, they have created a community that feels more like an extended family than a workplace initiative.

The interns also become active participants in UVA Health culture by volunteering at community events, supporting the Feeding the DMV Peanut Butter Drive, marching in the holiday parade, and helping fold more than 1,000 origami cranes for a pediatric fundraising initiative.

Through these experiences, they became valued members of the UVA Health family.

Redefining What's Possible

Project SEARCH instructors and job skills trainers Heather Brown and Theresa Polk reflected on the journeys from their first day in the program to graduation.

"Today is about celebrating the shattering of boundaries and redefining what is possible," Brown says. "We saw you take ownership of your schedules, advocate for the tools you needed to succeed, and teach your department managers about efficiency. You proved that dedication, adaptability, and fierce work ethics belong in every single industry."

Brown emphasized each graduate's success is supported by a strong network of mentors, managers, coworkers, instructors, family members, and community partners.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this year's program: the number of former graduates who returned as mentors, helping guide the next generation of interns and demonstrating what is possible when opportunity meets determination.

Bright Futures

In addition to Hall's new role at UVA Health, one graduate is interviewing with FedEx, while two others are pursuing opportunities with Crothall Healthcare.

Project SEARCH aligns with UVA Health's commitment to workforce development, community engagement, and creating pathways to meaningful employment. The program also reflects UVA Health's ASPIRE values and strategic plan by supporting each intern's unique journey and recognizing the talents, contributions, and potential of every participant.

Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized transition-to-work program that helps young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain career readiness, independent living skills, and meaningful employment opportunities. Since 2010, the program has expanded to 798 sites across 48 states and nine countries, serving more than 54,000 people worldwide.

More than an internship program, Project SEARCH demonstrates UVA Health's commitment to creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and helping individuals achieve their full potential. As another class graduates and begins the next chapter of their journey, they leave behind an inspiring legacy of perseverance, growth, and possibility.