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Project SEARCH

Located at Fairfield Medical Center

Start the transition.
Project SEARCH is a one year, high school transition program that provides training and education leading to employment for individuals with disabilities. Project SEARCH serves as a workforce alternative for students in their last year of high school. Three elective high school credits can be earned for the successful completion of the Project SEARCH program. All students must be eligible for services with the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) to participate.

Get the skills.
The cornerstone of Project SEARCH is total immersion in a business setting. Students report daily to Fairfield Medical Center where they will learn employability skills in the classroom and job skills during three internship rotations. Students participate in monthly progress meetings to define their career goal and plan the necessary steps to achieve that goal. If available, students may utilize public transportation.

Do the job.
Managers at the internship sites work with the Project SEARCH instructor and job coaches to support the students. Students get continual feedback from the internship manager, co-workers, and Project SEARCH staff. Students end their day by reflection, problem-solving, planning, and journaling their key learnings. The ultimate goal upon program completion is competitive employment utilizing the skills learned on the internships and throughout the program.