Project SEARCH interns hired full-time at J. Allen Automotive in milestone moment

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - Thursday marked a major milestone for two young men and the Project SEARCH program, a unique initiative helping young adults with learning disabilities transition into meaningful employment.

The team at J. Allen Automotive hosted a celebration for Karsten Dyess and Anzio Sterling, two Harrison Central graduates who are part of the nationwide adult workforce program for individuals 18 to 36, offering real-world job training through three 10-week rotations

“It’s a program that allows high school students to transition into an adult program, and we teach them skills that allow them to integrate into the automotive industry,” explained Project SEARCH instructor Danny Wasilenko.

Dyess and Sterling are now full-time hires — Dyess as an experience liaison and Sterling as an express technician. Both entered the program with limited confidence, but left with clear direction.

“Here we are, 10 months later, able to offer them full-time positions,” said Jonathan Allen, CEO of J. Allen Automotive. “It’s an honor to join with Project SEARCH.”

“They told us every day, ‘Show up, show you’re value, because you never know who’s watching,’” described Dyess.

“Stay busy,” added Sterling. “If you’ve got nothing to do, find something to do. That’s what I do.”

Since graduating its first class in Mississippi back in 2019, Project SEARCH has grown rapidly — now operating at 28 sites statewide. That includes a groundbreaking location right here on the Coast: the world’s first host site at an automotive dealership.”

“It works because you have so many partners that are involved, and everybody works so hard together,” explained Faye Culpepper, Project SEARCH Director for Mississippi and Division Director for the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS). “It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a team to help people get employed, and they deserve it.”

With proud families and mentors looking on, Dyess and Sterling are proof that when given the right support and opportunity, young adults with disabilities can thrive. Now, they’re clocking in as full-time professionals.

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