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Project SEARCH

What is Project SEARCH?

Project SEARCH is a business led collaboration between UMMC, Rankin County School District (RCSD), Pearl Public School District, and The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services that enables young adults with disabilities to gain and maintain employment through training and career exploration. It is an unpaid internship. The goal for each program participant is competitive employment. To reach that goal, the program provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent-living skills to help young people with disabilities make successful transitions to productive adult life. As a result, at the completion of the training program, students with intellectual disabilities are employed in nontraditional, complex and rewarding jobs.

https://www.projectsearch.us/transition-to-work/

What Does a Good Project SEARCH Candidate Look Like?

  • MUST HAVE A STRONG DESIRE TO WORK!
  • Should be finished with their high school requirements for graduation or certificate of completion so that they will be able to focus their entire day on gaining competitive and marketable work skills.  Agree to exit high school after successful completion of the program

  • Must be between 18-21 years old and eligible for Special Education Services.

  • Must be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation through MS Department of Rehabilitation Services (RCSD will assist with this)

  • Must have good attendance record

  • Should have caregiver/family support to participate in planning meetings

  • Should have a positive attitude

  • Basic and effective communication skills (verbal or supported by technology)

  • Basic reading and writing skills

  • Ability to manage their own self-care (to include appropriate social, grooming and hygiene skills

  • Able to pass drug screening and background check

  • Must have updated immunizations (including the flu and COVID-19 vaccines)

  • Must complete TB testing

  • Must be prepared to make arrangements for transportation for employment upon completion of the program

  • Maintain appropriate behavior in the workplace (absent of excessive behavioral reports). Have the ability to take directions and change behavior when needed

  • Ability to self-manage health needs while at the program

  • Ability to tolerate long walking/standing

  • Must have the ability to understand safety

  • Should have the ability to understand CONFIDENTIALITY. (Should have the ability to respect the privacy of others to include not listening to other people’s conversations either on the phone or in person, not trying to look at other people’s computer screens while at work)

Things to Know about Project SEARCH at UMMC

  • 2025-2026 will be the 7th year for UMMC to be the host site.

  • There are 3 staff which include the Project SEARCH Instructor & 2 Job Skills Trainers. 

  • The interns follow the RCSD Student Calendar for school days/holidays.

  • Transportation is provided for RCSD students. 

  • Interns participate in employability skills training (1 1/2 Hours) & work-based learning (4 Hours) in the form of an unpaid internships.

  • They are trained for 3-ten week rotations in departments around UMMC.

  • Departments that have previously accepted interns are Shipping and Receiving, Supply Chain, Housekeeping, Ambassador Services, Hospital Administration, Patient Experience, Physical Therapy, Food Services, Respiratory Therapy, Animal Lab, UMMC Police Department and Public Safety, School of Nursing Simulation Lab, Radiology, Resuscitation Training Center, Office of Student Affairs, Sterile Processing, Adult Emergency Department, Laundry, Physical Facilities, and Patient Equipment. 

  • Applications are due in February 

  • Interviews and skills assessments are conducted in early March 

  • Award and denial letters are sent out in April

 

 

 

COURSE OF STUDY 

Unit 1: Team Building

Unit 2: Workplace Safety

Unit 3: Technology

Unit 4: Self-Advocacy

Unit 5: Maintaining Employment

Unit 6: Financial Literacy

Unit 7: Health and Wellness

Unit 8: Preparing for Employment

Unit 9. Social and Communication

Important Dates

TBA

Project SEARCH Informational Meeting for students, parents, and teachers.

February 14, 2025 

Deadline to request acceptance to Project SEARCH 2025-26.

March 6, 2025 

Interviews/skills assessments for Project SEARCH 2025-26 

April 2025

Acceptance and Denial Letters sent out for Project SEARCH 2025-26 candidates

May 2025

Annual IEP’s to add Project SEARCH and Goals to IEP