Project SEARCH is a one-year, business-led, unpaid internship program for students in their last year of high school and young adults with disabilities that takes place entirely at the host business site: Atlantic Health’s Newton Medical Center or Hackettstown Medical Center
Explore Careers and Develop Job Skills
Project SEARCH provides senior high school students a chance to explore careers and develop transferable job skills.
The combination of instruction and immersion in the workplace prepares young adults with disabilities to make successful transitions from school to productive adult life.
Abilities provides the skill trainer and support onsite to the Project SEARCH interns at the host location. This is done in partnership with Atlantic Health’s Newton Medical Center & Hackettstown Medical Center, NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, and the Sussex County Educational Services Commission.
Benefits of Project SEARCH to the Student
- Participate in a variety of internships within the hospital setting
- Acquire competitive, transferable, and marketable job skills
- Gain increased independence, confidence, and self esteem
- Obtain work based individualized coaching, instruction, and feedback
- Develop ties to Vocational Rehabilitation and other adult service agencies
The goal for each participant is community employment!
How Project SEARCH Works
- Interns report directly to Newton Medical Center or Hackettstown Medical Center for a 10 month, 20 hours per week, internship program
- Daily soft skills classroom instruction combined with hands on internship experience
- Supports provided by certified employment specialist and credentialed special education teacher
- Explore careers with employment outcomes
- Receive travel training and long term supports
- Receive natural supports from hospital employees
- and so much more!
