Professional Learning & Events Schedule

Connect with educators, business leaders, and advocates transforming the future of employment for young adults with disabilities.

Virtual Professional Learning

Statewide Virtual Sessions

A statewide virtual gathering focused on shared learning, updates, and continuous improvement. These gatherings allow teams to connect and collaborate across sites—without the need for travel. (All sessions are 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.)

September 23rd: VocFit with Dennis Cleary
December 2nd: How to Handle Holiday Stress
February 24th: Navigating SSI & SSDI after Project SEARCH
April 7th: Michigan Rehabilitation Services: Job Search and Job Placement

Open Door Virtual Sessions

Informal, drop-in meetings hosted by Sarah and Michael. Bring your questions, share updates or just connect – no agenda required. Sessions are virtual on a recurring basis. Everyone is welcome to participate! (All sessions are 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

New Site Development Virtual Team Meetings

Targeted planning sessions for districts launching new Project SEARCH programs. These meetings guide teams through partnership development, timeline planning, and employment-focused design to ensure a strong, successful first year. (All meetings are 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

Statewide In-Person Meetings

A full-group professional learning experience bringing together Project SEARCH teams from across Michigan. Participants engage in collaborative problem-solving and hands-on activities that strengthen fidelity, alignment, and employment outcomes. (All Project SEARCH partners are welcome)

Retreats

Recharge. Reconnect. Reignite. Project SEARCH in-person retreats are where passion meets purpose! Join groups of instructors, business liaisons, skills trainers, or VR partners for hands-on learning, bold collaboration, and fresh inspiration to elevate your impact. Let’s build brighter futures—together.

Instructor Retreat — October 16, 2026
Skills Trainer Retreat — December 11, 2026
Business Liaison Retreat — January 14, 2027 (Virtual)
Vocational Rehabilitation Retreat — October 20, 2026

Family Support Series

Your young adult’s Project SEARCH experience is a big step, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. We are excited to introduce our new Family Support & Training Series—a year-long companion program for families across Michigan who have a student currently participating in Project SEARCH or are considering applying.

Each month, we host live Zoom sessions that follow the program year as it unfolds, helping you understand what your student may be experiencing now and what lies ahead. We will also offer information on relevant topics based on your feedback. Potential topics include:

- Transitioning from a school to a business environment
- Moving from an IEP to adult life
- Navigating Social Security benefits after employment
- Workplace accommodations and transportation
- Building independence skills and planning for life after graduation

In addition to the monthly trainings, families will have access to drop-in office hours with state Program Directors Sarah Winslow and Michael Zivsak, LMSW. These sessions offer an informal space to ask questions, connect with other parents, and receive practical guidance. Private, one-on-one follow-up sessions are also available. We will also host sessions for families who are considering Project SEARCH as an option for their student.

Whether your child is currently enrolled in Project SEARCH or considering applying, we hope this series offers valuable information, support, and community.

Please review the dates below and register to join us: