Spartan Project SEARCH 2022-23 Cohort

Spring has sprung on the Campus of Michigan State University. Even though the weather continues to reflect winter, Spartan Project SEARCH interns are ready for the last rotation of their school year. March began with two weeks of workshop time where interns updated resumes, participated in mock interviews, and worked on financial literacy in creating a budget. Interns also learned about self-advocacy, defining disabilities, work place accommodations, and disclosure. On March 13th, Interns had their first day of Rotation 3 jobs. Observing interns at work during their first week back has been inspiring to see how much growth they have made and how independent they have all become. Over the next 10 weeks, interns will continue to learn skills, increase independence, and polish obtained skills to help with their upcoming job search and applications.

Welcome T.B. Simon Power Plant

Rotation 3 brought on the addition of the Power Plant for an internship site. At this jobsite, interns learn skills of customer service, computer skills, communication, multitasking, professionalism, and teamwork. We are so excited for this new opportunity and partnership.

The T.B. Simon Power Plant is a cogeneration facility producing electrical power and steam for the East Lansing campus, including academic buildings and south campus farms. Since 2016, the T.B. Simon Power Plant operates entirely on natural gas. With a peak generating capacity of roughly 99 megawatts, its six generating units can be activated or deactivated in response to campus demand in conjunction with the solar carports.

In its current configuration, the T.B. Simon Power Plant converts energy from natural gas into steam and electricity, which is used for building functions such as heating or cooling. Steam for use in HVAC and electric power are transmitted through a steam distribution network, which connects to more than 100 MSU buildings.

On the banks of the Red Cedar

Spartan Project SEARCH would not be able to function day to day and have the success it does without our jobsite support team know as our Skills Trainers. Skills trainers complete a plethora of tasks during the day. In the classroom they help the instructor by supporting lessons and support students with classwork. On jobsites they support supervisors by helping develop tasks, brainstorm and implement accommodations, educate on inclusion within the workforce, and help interns learned needed job skills. Skills trainers also help with navigation training around campus to get to and from work by teaching safe travel by walking and use of public transportation. Additionally, Skills trainers support with learning appropriate social interactions, professional ways to communicate, and skills to be independent. Spartan Project SEARCH thanks you for all you do!