Project SEARCH is a one year, high school transition program which provides training and education leading to employment for individuals with disabilities. This Project SEARCH program occurs on-site at Dublin Methodist Hospital. Each student applies to the program and is accepted through a selection committee process. All students must be eligible for services with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission to participate.The cornerstone of Project SEARCH is total immersion in the Dublin Methodist Hospital environment. Each day students learn employability skills in the classroom and job skills while participating in 3 internships/experiences throughout the year. Students participate in monthly progress meetings to define their career goals and plan necessary steps to achieve that goal.
Managers at the internship sites collaborate with the Project SEARCH instructor and job coaches to support the students in their work experience. Students receive continual feedback from the internship manager, co-workers and Project SEARCH staff. Reflection and journaling are a key component at the end of each day to assist the students in developing their ability to plan and problem solve. The ultimate goal upon program completion is competitive employment utilizing the skills learned during the internships and throughout the program.