Project SEARCH Interns Complete CPR and AED Training Program

Project SEARCH interns recently achieved a significant milestone by completing a 12-week CPR and AED training program. This accomplishment is part of an initiative funded by a Shawnee Mission Education Foundation grant, aimed at improving career readiness for all Shawnee Mission students. 

Project SEARCH interns have participated in the CPR and AED certification process in the past, but this is the first year the interns had a pre-training program to prepare them for the certification process. With the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation’s grant monies, the Project SEARCH program was able to purchase the pre-training materials from the Attainment Company. This structured approach has fostered a sense of confidence among the five interns.

According to Project SEARCH coordinators, this hands-on training is not just about passing the final test. "Our goal is to ensure they recognize when something’s wrong, ask for help, and take appropriate action," explained Amy Quinley, one of the Project SEARCH teachers. 

The program's success is also reflected in the interns’ enthusiasm. Project SEARCH intern, Braden Foster, said the program makes him feel good, “because it'll help someone to stay alive and pump the blood inside their heart.”

The CPR and AED skills also offer tangible benefits for future employment. Many entry-level jobs, especially in healthcare, childcare, and education, require CPR certification. By adding this training to their resumes, Project SEARCH interns become more competitive candidates. “This training opens doors,” Quinley explained, highlighting the impact on career readiness.

The training session was also a peer-learning opportunity. Students from the Clinical and Applied Medical Sciences Signature Program (MedSci) at the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) attended the certification assessment to support the interns as they practiced and prepared.  

“I think that it's cool that we get to apply our knowledge in real world situations and help other people,” said Lacey Lawrence, a senior in the MedSci program. “That's why we're in the class in the first place. We want to go into medicine because we want to help other people.”

This partnership also highlights the program's community-centric approach, ensuring that students benefit from a variety of expertise and support. “I've never seen it come this full circle,” said Quinley. “I love the experience for the CAA folks and our folks to be able to work together. They love to hear from people their age. They connect better.”