Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a unique, business focused, one year school to work transition program that takes place entirely in the workplace. The selected students will work in three internships over the course of the year in combination with classroom instruction, goal setting, career exploration, and hands on training through worksite rotations. Each student works with a team that includes their family, an instructor, a department mentor, rehabilitation counselor and employment specialists to create their employment goal and to support the student during their transition from school to work.

Rockford Project SEARCH Application (DIGITAL)

Rockford Project SEARCH Application (PRINTABLE)

DeKalb Project SEARCH Application (ENGLISH)

DeKalb Project SEARCH Application (SPANISH)

More About Project SEARCH

Admission Criteria

Be 18-21 years of age
Referred by a participating school district
Have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
Ready to graduate upon completion of the Project SEARCH program year
Strong desire to achieve a job in the community
Family support

Worksite Rotations

Each student participates in three internships supported by an onsite employment specialist and supervised by an on-site manager. A special education teacher oversees the students’ IEPs and provides daily classroom instruction at the beginning and end of each day.

Project SEARCH internships at host sites are unpaid, similar to other internship programs, but are individually created to focus on each student’s interests and work potential. Some worksite rotations may include:

Pharmacy
Operating Room
Central Distribution
Housekeeping
Human Resources Environmental Services
Food Services
Front Desk
Sterile Processing
Pediatrics
Mail Room
Maintenance
Cancer Center
Pain Center
Physical Therapy
OB GYN

Classroom Curriculum

Throughout the school year, students participate in a functional academic curriculum that stresses employability and independent living skills. Major classroom focus areas include: