The Okaloosa County School District’s Project SEARCH program has earned the Florida Project SEARCH Excellent Outcome Award for achieving outstanding employment outcomes for its 2024-2025 cohort, placing it among the top-performing programs both statewide and internationally.

• The award, presented during the Florida Project SEARCH Annual Conference, recognizes sites that achieve employment outcomes between 77% and 99% for graduating participants. The Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach program was one of only five sites across Florida’s 45 active Project SEARCH locations to receive the honor.

Globally, the recognition carries additional weight. Project SEARCH operates approximately 800 sites worldwide, and the Fort Walton Beach program was one of just 166 selected to receive an Excellent Outcome Award, placing it among the top 21% of sites internationally.

Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized high school transition program that prepares young adults with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment through workplace immersion, career exploration and hands-on job training. The program is designed for students ages 18 to 21 who have completed their high school credits and deferred their diplomas, combining classroom instruction with real-world work experiences through partnerships with local businesses.

“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible commitment of our students, instructors, employment specialists, and our valued partners at Innisfree Hotels,” said Kathy Ard, Director of Exceptional Student Education for the Okaloosa County School District. “Project SEARCH provides our students with the confidence, skills, and real-world experiences they need to thrive in the workforce. Being recognized as one of only five programs in Florida and among the top Project SEARCH sites worldwide to earn this award speaks to the dedication of everyone involved and the life-changing impact this partnership continues to have.”

Superintendent Marcus Chambers said the recognition highlights the work taking place through the district’s partnership with Innisfree Hotels.

“Our students continue to demonstrate what is possible when they are provided with meaningful opportunities, exceptional support, and dedicated community partners,” Chambers said. “We are incredibly grateful to Innisfree Hotels for investing in our students and helping them develop the skills needed for lifelong success. This accomplishment is a reflection of the commitment and collaboration of everyone involved.”

The award follows another successful year for the program, which celebrated five graduates in May after they completed a year of intensive workplace training and career development. Ten interns are enrolled for the upcoming school year, continuing the program’s mission of preparing young adults with disabilities for successful, competitive employment and greater independence.

Through its continued partnership with Innisfree Hotels, the district said it remains committed to expanding opportunities for students and creating pathways for learners to succeed beyond the classroom.