Project SEARCH

The Project SEARCH High School Transition Program is a unique, business-led, one year school-to-work program that takes place entirely at the workplace.  Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations.  Project SEARCH is a non-paid internship experience.  

Where does the Program take place?

The Program offered in the Eastern Upper Peninsula is housed at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault in Sault Ste. Marie.

Who is eligible to participate?

Students who are 18-years-old or older, have an IEP and a desire to work are able to apply to participate in the Program.

What are the goals of the Program?

The goal for each student participant is competitive employment. The program provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills to help youths with significant disabilities make successful transitions from school to productive adult life. The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of training and career exploration, innovative adaptations, long-term skills training, and continuous feedback from teachers, skills trainers, job coaches and employers. As a result, at the completion of the training program, students with significant intellectual disabilities can be employed in nontraditional, complex and rewarding jobs.