Since 1975, the U.S. Department of Labor has been enabling college students with disabilities to find summer internships and long-term employment through the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP). With a database of over 1300 students, and a placement rate of 30%, the WRP has long been an outstanding source for employers to hire qualified, dedicated students and graduates. The WRP is now managed by the Office of Disability Employment Policy.

In 2002, the WRP will have additional features to make using the program even easier. This year, the WRP has increased its reach to college students by over 30%. This means more students will be available than ever. Each student participates in a comprehensive face-to-face interview to ensure the highest quality and dedication to the program possible.

For the first time, users of the WRP database will be able to search for candidates online at www.wrpjobs.org. The CD-ROM will still be available, but the online search tool will allow employers to search the students’ resumes as well as their profiles.

In the past, the WRP has marketed students primarily to employers from the federal government. This year, the WRP will continue to reach out to private sector employers as well. With students eager to participate in “real life” work experience (and many going on to enjoy long careers with the employers where they have interned), comprehensive marketing campaigns are being developed to “spread the word” to corporations that can benefit from the WRP.

The 2002 WRP database is due out in mid-March of next year. If you are an employer and you would like additional information about the WRP, contact Tim Christian at (888) 590-8808. Or you can email him at tchristian@hirepotential.com.