Project SEARCH is a person-centered, school-to-work internship program for youth that is based in the community. Participants do not receive compensation for their participation in the Project SEARCH program, but they do receive valuable job training and work experience based on a person-centered approach, which consists of one-to-one job coaching.
Project SEARCH Sites
The traditional Project SEARCH model offers internships that are approximately nine months in duration, typically within a hospital setting, with jobs focusing on training or jobs that are complex yet routine in nature.
Project SEARCH Curriculum
The combination of classroom curriculum and onsite training focuses on learning skill acquisition, professional responsibility, and self-advocacy; increasing independence, effective communication; confident problem solving; planning and managing a career; and dressing for success.
Each student typically will work three rotations in various departments with the intention of gaining the necessary skills that will lead to paid employment.
Locations
KenCrest currently runs its Project SEARCH program in conjunction with Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville, PA.
Innovative Growth
In conjunction with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, KenCrest’s Project SEARCH initiated the first group of students in the state of Pennsylvania to work in “Big Pharma” in 2017 with GlaxoSmithKline in Collegeville, PA. This program location is currently on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The host business provides access to an on-site training room that can accommodate up to 12 interns. The site is staffed by a special education teacher and one to three skills trainers to meet the educational and training needs of the interns.
Letter to Prospective School Districts and Applicants
ProjectSEARCH Application for ChesCo and MontCo Students
Click here to learn more about the national Project SEARCH program.
For more information, please contact Jessica Birkmire at jessica.birkmire@kencrest.org
