Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is targeted for individuals whose goal is integrated competitive employment. Developed in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center by founder Erin Riehle, the Director of Cincinnati Children’s Emergency Department, Project SEARCH has become an international success with over 700 programs across 48 states and 11 countries and over 40,000 people served.

The program takes place in healthcare, government or business settings where total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills. Interns participate in three internships over the school year to explore a variety of career paths. The interns work with a team that includes their family, an instructor, and local and state agencies to create an employment goal.

Empowering young adults with disabilities

Mission

Project SEARCH’s primary objective is to secure competitive employment for people with disabilities.

Team

Our dedicated team of skills trainers, job developers, instructors and support staff are passionate about helping others. We are experienced professionals who are committed to making a positive impact in our community.

Eligibility

The main requirement is a commitment to obtain long-term employment. Participants are typically high school students on an Individual Education Program (IEP) in their final year and young adults all must be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and Oregon Developmental Disability Services. Must be between the ages of 18-24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at admin@FTWorks.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How long is the internship?

The Project SEARCH internship is 9 months and includes 3 internship departments to give each individual a chance to learn a variety of skills. The internship starts in September and follows the local school calendar, with graduation from the program set in June the following year.

Will the intern lose their government benefits when they start paid employment?

Social Security benefits may be adjusted when an intern starts a job and earns income. It's important to know that there will be safety nets in place that allow individuals to keep some of their benefits depending on their earnings. Everyone's case is unique so an important step towards employment would be to contact a Social Security benefits counselor to understand your current benefits, incentives to finding employment, and more. Our employment consultants are happy to support and help you along this process.

How many hours are the interns aiming to work once they find a paid job?

16 hours is the minimum weekly target hours of paid employment for graduates in a non-seasonal, year-round position. They are welcome to work additional hours if desired and if offered the opportunity from an employer.

Project SEARCH

Empowering young adults with disabilities

Mission

Team

Eligibility

Contact Us

Send us a message if you'd like to learn more about Project SEARCH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Partners

Project SEARCH

Empowering young adults with disabilities

Mission

Team

Eligibility

Contact Us

Send us a message if you'd like to learn more about Project SEARCH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Partners

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