Why Project SEARCH Matters in Michigan?

Project SEARCH Michigan is a proven workforce development program that helps students with disabilities transition into meaningful employment through hands-on training in real business environments.

In Michigan, the results are clear.
85 percent of participants successfully enter the workforce after completing the program.

This success benefits:

Students gaining independence and confidence
Families gaining stability and opportunity
Employers gaining access to a trained workforce
Communities strengthening long-term economic participation

Section 99aa of the School Aid Fund is what makes this program possible across Michigan. Without it, expansion and access are at risk.

Take Action Today!

Your voice plays a direct role in shaping the future of Project SEARCH in Michigan. State budget decisions are happening now, and legislators need to hear from the people who understand the impact of this program.

You can support Project SEARCH in just a few minutes. Choose one or more actions below to make your voice heard.

Take Action Today

Contact Your Legislator

Share Your Story

Share On Social Media

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Take Action Today

Choose one or more ways to support Project SEARCH:

BUTTON 1: Email Your Legislator

Use a pre-written message to contact your state representative or senator in minutes.

[Email Your Legislator]

BUTTON 2: Call Your Legislator

A simple script makes it easy to make a quick call and share your support.

[Call Now]

BUTTON 3: Share Your Story

Tell us how Project SEARCH has impacted you, your family, or your organization.

[Share Your Story]

BUTTON 4: Share on Social Media

Help spread awareness and encourage others to take action.

[Download Share Kit]

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PRIMARY CALLOUT
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Subheadline:

State budget decisions this May will determine whether Project SEARCH can continue to expand opportunities for students with disabilities across Michigan.

Short Intro (1–2 sentences):

Project SEARCH prepares young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for competitive employment through real workplace training. Continued funding through Section 99aa of the School Aid Fund is essential to sustain and grow this impact.

Primary Buttons (very visible, above fold):

Contact Your Legislator
Call Your Legislator
Share Your Story

2. URGENCY BAND (OPTIONAL BANNER UNDER HERO)

Funding decisions are happening now. Your voice can directly influence outcomes in the Michigan state budget.

3. WHY THIS MATTERS SECTION

Heading:

Why Project SEARCH Matters in Michigan

Project SEARCH is a proven workforce development program that helps students with disabilities transition into meaningful employment through hands-on training in real business environments.

In Michigan, the results are clear.
85 percent of participants successfully enter the workforce after completing the program.

This success benefits:

Students gaining independence and confidence
Families gaining stability and opportunity
Employers gaining access to a trained workforce
Communities strengthening long-term economic participation

Section 99aa of the School Aid Fund is what makes this program possible across Michigan. Without it, expansion and access are at risk.

4. WHAT IS AT STAKE SECTION

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What Happens If Funding Is Not Protected

If Section 99aa funding is not continued:

Expansion into new districts will stop
Fewer students will have access to the program
Employers will lose a proven workforce pipeline
Momentum built over years could be lost

This is not a future concern. It is a decision being made now in the Michigan budget process.

5. TAKE ACTION SECTION (PRIMARY CONVERSION AREA)

Heading:

Take Action Today

Choose one or more ways to support Project SEARCH:

BUTTON 1: Email Your Legislator

Use a pre-written message to contact your state representative or senator in minutes.

[Email Your Legislator]

BUTTON 2: Call Your Legislator

A simple script makes it easy to make a quick call and share your support.

[Call Now]

BUTTON 3: Share Your Story

Tell us how Project SEARCH has impacted you, your family, or your organization.

[Share Your Story]

BUTTON 4: Share on Social Media

Help spread awareness and encourage others to take action.

[Download Share Kit]

6. TOOLKIT RESOURCES SECTION

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Advocacy Toolkit Resources

Everything you need to take action is provided below:

Ready-to-Use Materials

Legislator email template
Phone call script
Business and educator versions of messaging
Social media posts and graphics
Fact sheet about Project SEARCH
FAQ document

Download or Use Online

All materials are designed to be simple, fast, and accessible so anyone can participate in advocacy regardless of experience.

7. IMPACT SECTION

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Proven Impact in Michigan

85 percent employment success rate
Strong partnerships with local employers
Hands-on, real-world job training model
Improved independence and long-term outcomes for students

Project SEARCH is not theoretical. It is already working.

8. STORIES SECTION (OPTIONAL BUT HIGH IMPACT)

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Real Stories, Real Impact

Include:

Student testimonials
Family perspectives
Employer feedback

Short quotes work best here. Example format:

“This program changed my child’s future.”
“Project SEARCH helped us find a great employee.”
“I never thought I would have a job I love.”

9. PARTNER SECTION (BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS)

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For Employers and Partners

Project SEARCH depends on strong partnerships with Michigan employers and education providers.

If you are a business or school partner, you can:

Share advocacy materials internally
Encourage staff participation
Help amplify awareness in your networks

[Access Partner Toolkit]

10. MEDIA AND PUBLIC AWARENESS SECTION (OPTIONAL)

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Media and Public Awareness

Project SEARCH is a proven workforce solution with real impact across Michigan communities. Journalists and media outlets are encouraged to learn more and share stories of success.

Contact:
[Insert Media Contact Email]

11. FINAL CALL TO ACTION SECTION (REPEATED)

Heading:

Now Is the Time to Act

The decisions being made in the Michigan state budget will determine the future of Project SEARCH. Your voice matters.

Take action today:

Contact your legislator
Make a phone call
Share your story
Spread awareness

[Contact Your Legislator]
[Call Now]
[Share Your Story]

12. FOOTER NOTE (IMPORTANT CONTEXT LINE)

Project SEARCH Michigan is supported through Section 99aa of the School Aid Fund. Continued investment ensures access, expansion, and long-term workforce impact across the state.

IMPLEMENTATION NOTES FOR YOUR WEB TEAM

Minimum viable build (fast launch)

One landing page
Anchor buttons to forms or mailto links
Embedded email template + call script
Simple story form (Google Form acceptable)

Higher polish version (phase 2)

Button tracking with analytics
Downloadable PDF toolkit
Embedded video testimonials
Dynamic stats section
Partner-specific landing page variant