What is Project SEARCH?

According to the National Project Search website, Project SEARCH is a Transition-to-Work Program. It is a unique, business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely in 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 development.

Project SEARCH Guilford County

Since 2012, Guilford County Schools has been a proud partner of Project SEARCH, a program that helps prepare students with disabilities for employment. It is a one-year internship program for students with disabilities that have met all academic requirements for graduation. It is targeted for students whose goal is competitive employment. The Guilford County programs are located at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist - High Point Medical Center.  Accepted students are immersed in the workplace to facilitate the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills. Students participate in three 10-week, unpaid internships to explore a variety of career paths. 

Interns work with a team that includes their family, a special education teacher, North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services staff, and supported employment specialists who assist the student during this important transition from school to work. With this support, the students will define their employment interests and goals, build their vocational skills, and find competitive employment.