The Project SEARCH High School Transition Program is a one-year educational program for students with disabilities in their last year of high school ( must have completed all requirements for graduation). It is targeted for students whose main goal is competitive employment. The program builds essential job-specific and employability skills needed to gain and maintain meaningful employment, lead productive lives and become integrated in an adult work environment.
The program integrates career exploration with a variety of worksite experiences, skill levels and related coursework. Through this unique employer-led training program, both intensive classroom and skills training will occur in the employment setting.
Students participate in three internships to explore a variety of career paths. The students work with a team that includes their family, a special education teacher, and a job coach, as well as the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (BVR), to create an employment goal and support the student during this important transition from school to wo
Career Skills Developed:
This program is application based; students are selected by a committee based on completed application materials, hands on assessments and work/training history. The following points are part of a list of eligibility criteria for consideration of participation in the Project SEARCH program.
Desire to work in a competitive community-based job
Must be between 18 and 22 years of age.
Credits necessary for graduation ( including state tests) must be completed prior to the start of the Project SEARCH program year.
Meet eligibility requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) *Required for enrollment in Project SEARCH.
Demonstrate independence in personal hygiene, self care skills and basic life skills.
Demonstrate appropriate behavior for the workplace and the ability to work independently with fading support.
Take direction from supervisors and adjust behavior based on feedback.
Be able to communicate functionally in order to exchange information.
Participate in background check and pass drug screen
Provide up to date immunization records.
Post Secondary Goals for Employment should state that the student will obtain competitive/paid employment in an integrated community setting (based realistically on skills, interest and employability)
For more information on your district's participation in the Project SEARCH partnership, you may contact your Special Education Administrator or Transition Coordinator.