It’s graduation season, and eight interns recently celebrated a major milestone after completing Goodwill North Central Wisconsin’s Project SEARCH program in Rhinelander.
The 2026 class graduated from the program’s site at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, capping off nine months of workplace training designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for employment.
Project SEARCH provides participants with hands-on experience through rotations in various hospital departments, including radiology, environmental services, food service and other support areas. The internships are intended to build job skills and confidence while exposing participants to a variety of career paths.
Shana Herzfeldt is the director of mission operations. She says, “This program shows how a partnership with a shared vision can lead to a future full of opportunities for these students. Herzfeldt added, “It is extremely rewarding and inspiring to see their remarkable progress and achievements.”
Following graduation, Goodwill NCW continues to work with participants through individualized job searches, helping them secure employment either with the host organization or elsewhere in the community.
The Rhinelander program operates through a partnership between Goodwill NCW, the School District of Rhinelander, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, TMG, Lakeland Care and Inclusa.
Original Post: Eight Graduates from Project SEARCH Program at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital