Project Search - High School Transition that Works!

Empowering young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve competitive employment.

Transition-to-Work Program

The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, business-led, one academic-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job search and placement.

Training

Through a series of three targeted internships, each lasting 10 to 12 weeks, interns gain competitive, marketable and transferable skills that prepare them for entry-level positions at the host business or within their community. They also develop essential communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, contributing to their overall growth as young workers. Each intern spends approximately five hours a day at their internship, which includes a thirty-minute lunch break. Once interns have mastered the core skills, additional skills are introduced to further enhance their marketability.

Employment

In the final months of the program, the focus shifts to refining skills, achieving the goal of competitive employment and implementing individualized job search and development strategies. Establishing connections with appropriate disability support services is crucial at this stage, as interns prepare to graduate from the program. These connections help ensure a successful transition to competitive integrated employment and adult life.

Support

It is our intention for interns to have a long-term employment follow-up plan in place before graduation. If a graduate is not eligible for Developmental Disabilities funding, the onsite team will explore additional resource options, such as Social Security work incentives, Vocational Rehabilitation extended support and natural supports. Employed graduates will receive ongoing follow-up services to help them retain their jobs. The plan includes a schedule for periodic check-ins with both the employer and the graduate.