Project SEARCH Program Earns Statewide and Global Recognition
The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) is proud to announce that its Project SEARCH program at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach has received the Florida Project SEARCH Excellent Outcome Award for achieving outstanding employment outcomes for its 2024-2025 cohort.
Presented during the Florida Project SEARCH Annual Conference, the Excellent Outcome Award recognizes Project SEARCH sites that achieve employment outcomes between 77% and 99% for graduating participants. Florida currently has 45 active Project SEARCH sites across 38 cities, and the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach program was one of only five sites statewide to receive this prestigious recognition.
The achievement also earned international distinction. Project SEARCH has approximately 800 sites worldwide, and the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach program was one of only 166 selected to receive an Excellent Outcome Award, placing it among the top 21% of Project SEARCH sites globally.
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. Designed for students ages 18-21 who have completed their high school credits and deferred their diplomas, the program combines 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.”
The partnership between the Okaloosa County School District and Innisfree Hotels has become a model for preparing students for meaningful employment while demonstrating the value of inclusive workforce opportunities.
“This statewide and global recognition highlights the outstanding work taking place through our Project SEARCH partnership,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Our students continue to demonstrate what is possible when they are provided with meaningful opportunities, exceptional support, and dedicated community partners. 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 recognition follows another successful year for OCSD’s Project SEARCH program, which celebrated five graduates in May after completing a year of intensive workplace training and career development. Looking ahead, 10 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.
(L to R: Bev Wilson/OCSD Instructor, Carly Detlefsen/Program Specialist, Project SEARCH, Lisa Bloodworth/Sr. Director of Transition and Support Services, Global Connections to Employment, Mei Lanie Bilbow/Employment Transition Specialist, Global Connections to Employment, and Vlady Fierro/Employment Transition Specialist, Global Connections to Employment)
NWFSC Expands Money-Back Guarantee to Six High-Demand Workforce Programs
Northwest Florida State College is expanding its Money-Back Guarantee Program, reinforcing its commitment to preparing students for careers that lead directly to employment.
Beginning July 1, NWFSC will offer a tuition money-back guarantee in six high-demand workforce programs, doubling the number of eligible programs from three. The College has added Physical Therapist Assistant (A.S.), Medical Laboratory Technology (A.S.) and Early Childhood Education (A.S.) to the existing guarantee for Nursing (A.S.), Radiography (A.S.) and Paramedic (C.C.C.).
The program guarantees eligible graduates a full refund of tuition if they are unable to secure employment in their field within six months of graduation, provided they meet all academic, attendance, job-search and regulatory requirements established by the College and the State of Florida.
“This expansion reflects our confidence in the quality of our academic programs and, more importantly, in the success of our students,” said Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder. “These six programs prepare graduates for some of our region’s most essential careers, and their outcomes consistently demonstrate the value of a Northwest Florida State College education.”
NWFSC’s healthcare programs continue to earn recognition for excellence. Earlier this year, the College’s School of Nursing achieved a 100% first-quarter NCLEX-RN pass rate, reflecting the program’s commitment to preparing graduates for successful careers in nursing.
The newly added programs also demonstrate exceptional student success and workforce outcomes. The Physical Therapist Assistant program has achieved a 100% employment rate among licensed graduates over its past three graduating cohorts. The Medical Laboratory Technology program has maintained 100% employment placement for graduates seeking jobs in the field or continuing their education while posting ASCP certification pass rates ranging from 80% to 100%, including multiple years at or near 100%. Meanwhile, the Early Childhood Education program helps address one of Northwest Florida’s most pressing workforce needs, with nearly 2,000 annual job openings for early childhood professionals across the region.
The original Money-Back Guarantee Program, introduced in 2024 for Nursing, Radiography and Paramedic, has proven highly successful. Since its launch, no tuition refund has been given, underscoring the College’s strong record of graduate employment and the continued demand for its workforce graduates.
Established by the Florida Legislature, the Money-Back Guarantee Program is designed to help students pursue high-demand careers with added confidence in their educational investment while supporting Florida’s workforce needs.
“Our mission is to prepare students for meaningful careers that strengthen our communities and meet the workforce needs of our region,” Ponder said. “Expanding the Money-Back Guarantee is another way we’re demonstrating that an education at Northwest Florida State College is an investment students can make with confidence.”
For more information about the Money-Back Guarantee Program and eligible programs, visit NWFSC.edu or contact NWFSC Admissions at 850-502-2895.
