Young Adults with Autism Graduate from Job Training Program in White Plains

On June 17, seven young adults were honored during a graduation ceremony at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health in White Plains, marking the successful completion of the Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement (PSAE) internship program. Cheered on by proud family members, friends, and program leaders, the graduates celebrated a milestone achievement in their journey toward meaningful employment and independence.

Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement is a highly structured, ten-month internship initiative designed for young adults on the autism spectrum. The program is a collaboration between The Arc Westchester, NEXT for AUTISM, NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health, and The Center for Autism and the Developing Bain (CADB), with support from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), ACCES-VR, and the Business Advisory Council.

Through full-time, real-world workplace immersion, the program equips interns with valuable professional and life skills to help them transition successfully into the workforce. This year’s class of seven interns developed competencies in productivity, professionalism, advocacy, and time management. Job development efforts are already underway, and several graduates are actively interviewing for roles.

Each graduate shared a personal reflection during the ceremony, highlighting their growth and experiences throughout the program. Leaders from the partner organizations praised the interns’ hard work, resilience, and readiness to contribute to the professional world.

To learn more about The Arc Westchester, visit their website at http://www.arcwestchester.org.

About The Arc Westchester

The Arc Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest organization in Westchester County supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. The organization’s 700 employees provide nearly 2,000 people and families throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life.

Their mission is to provide innovative supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families, to build independence, achieve personal goals and strengthen community participation.

The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York.