Project SEARCH was originally launched in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Designed to prepare young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for competitive employment, this one-year “school- to-work” transition program now operates over 400 locations in six countries. The Project SEARCH model includes total workplace immersion. Interns participate in daily classroom instruction and on-the-job training, where they receive feedback from teachers, job coaches and employers. Interns gain hands-on work experience at unique business host sites.
DC Project SEARCH is a partnership between SEEC, DC Public Schools, Ivymount School, DC Department on Disability Services / Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the host businesses: National Institutes of Health, Smithsonian Institution, Capital Area Hilton/Embassy Suites DC, and Montgomery County Government. The Project SEARCH program continues to prepare interns with skills that match labor needs in today's integrated workforce.
DC Project SEARCH Eligibility Requirements:
- Young adult between 18-30 years old
- Have a documented intellectual/developmental disability
- Completing final year of high school OR recent high school graduate
- Show willingness to take risks, accept critical feed-back, and grow in independence (including travel)
- Show a demonstrated commitment to employment and career readiness
- Strong attendance record is preferred