Project SEARCH provides path to employment for young adults with disabilities

Based on a nationally recognized program, Project SEARCH is a one-year school-to-employment transition program that helps young adults with disabilities.

What started back in 1996, Project SEARCH has grown from one original program site at Cincinnati Children's Hospital to over 600 programs both domestic and international. Project SEARCH's primary objective is to secure competitive employment for people with disabilities

“It focuses on competitive employment for individuals with disabilities,” said Project SEARCH instructor Deroy Brandt.

During the program, interns work in collaboration with various local businesses, including the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center (MSRC), Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Alaska Employment Services, and the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education, which Brandt says is the reason Project SEARCH thrives.

“The partnership between our school district, the hospital, DVR, and local businesses are what makes this program successful,” he said.

While the school district provides the education piece, MSRC helps provide real-world job training in a hospital setting, while DVR and the job developer support interns with job placement services upon completion of the training.

Together with families, and caregivers, the unique business-led transition program allows students to work in 10- to 12-week rotations around the different departments in the hospital.

“Together we are providing a pathway for young adults who may otherwise face barriers entering the workforce,” Brandt said.

Brandt said that during the third rotation, interns begin to work with their job developer to find employment in the community. The goal is to equip interns with skills needed to be successful in the workplace. Brandt explained that throughout the year, participants develop essential skills such as working at or near Industry Standards, attention to detail, organizational skills, workplace safety and technology skills, time management, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Participants also develop the much-needed soft skills-how to interact professionally, how to take direction and feedback from supervisors, and appropriate workplace behaviors-skills critical to long-term success and growth.

To participate in Project SEARCH, candidates must meet specific criteria, including being between the ages of 18 and 21, having completed high school, possessing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a documented disability, and being eligible for services from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong desire to work within the community upon completion of Project SEARCH and be willing to engage in unpaid training throughout the school year.

Interns also need to be able to communicate effectively, maintain professional behavior and social skills, have documented success in previous work experience, maintain appropriate hospital hygiene standards, pass background checks and drug screening, and pass the interview process.

“This structured application process ensures that interns are prepared to take full advantage of the opportunities Project SEARCH provides.”

To date, Mat-Su Project Search has had a total of 79 interns since implementation. “Our program is consistently 70% or greater with interns being employed after they complete the program. Each of these young adults has gained hands-on experience and the confidence to enter the workforce.” Brandt reported that many former interns now hold competitive jobs, contributing to their communities while gaining independence.

“This success is a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the dedication of our team, business partners, and most importantly, our interns.”

Several interns took the opportunity to speak about their experiences with Project SEARCH, all saying that they have learned new skills, working independently and completing tasks, and gaining confidence.

“I have learned time management and adaptability,” Frazee Nelson, who is currently an intern at MSRMC, told the school board. “Project SEARCH helps me feel ready for a job because I have learned how to work on my own.”

“Project SEARCH is more than just a vocational transition program. It is a partnership…all working together to create real employment opportunities,” said Brandt.

To learn more about Project SEARCH, please visit www.matsuk12.us/programs/project-search