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NATCHEZ — While Project SEARCH, a program that provides internship opportunities and real-world job experience for special needs students, will not be offered in Natchez this fall, state officials say they are committed to finding a clear path forward so that the program might be offered again in the future.

Administered by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, the program is a joint partnership between MDRS, a business and a school district.

In Natchez, MDRS has collaborated with Merit Health Natchez and the Natchez Adams School District for the past three years to host the program.

However, the program was paused in various sites across Mississippi for the upcoming academic year as MDRS has had to reevaluate the funding sources for the program.

The program’s pause came only to sites where MDRS was the primary source of funds, which is the case in Natchez.

“MDRS is following updated guidance from our federal funding partners, which clarified that we may not serve as the sole financial contributor to Project SEARCH programs moving forward,” said Jennifer Gray, communications director at MDRS. “This clarification prompted a necessary review of host site partnerships to ensure compliance. As a result, some host sites that were previously fully funded by MDRS are being paused for the 2025–2026 year, however, other sites are moving forward with active partnership and alternative funding arrangements.

“The program itself is not discontinued, and MDRS continues to support its mission and the students it serves,” Gray continued. “In fact, counseling and placement services for students will continue through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), and we are working closely with host sites, schools, and families to offer guidance and support during this transition. We remain fully committed to the goals and mission of Project SEARCH. Students affected by this change will continue to receive services through our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programs.”

In a statement, Dr. Jennifer Jackson, Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at MDRS, recognized the impact of the program on students and families and expressed a commitment to finding a sustainable path forward.

“We understand the deep impact Project SEARCH has on students and families,” Jackson said. “This program has changed lives, and that’s why our agency is focused on finding a sustainable path forward. We remain committed to counseling, job placement, and supporting students as they work toward employment and independence.”

Ronnie Calhoun, who teaches at the Natchez program, said last week that he had to call six families who had already been accepted and ready to start in August and tell them the program wasn’t happening. Though saddened by the news, Calhoun said these families were “very understanding” and are hopeful that the program might continue in the future.

Project SEARCH continues to operate at multiple sites in Mississippi for the 2025–2026 year and Pre-Employment Transition Services remain in place and are uninterrupted for eligible students.