What is UPMC Project SEARCH?
The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work program is a unique, business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace.
The goal for each Project SEARCH participant is competitive employment. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations.
Modeled on a nationally recognized program developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Project SEARCH provides students ages 18-21 with real life work experience to help them develop the following skills:
- Work etiquette/code of conduct
- Work social skills
- Interviewing skills
- job readiness skills
Students learn these skills while participating in three job training rotations at the host site.
How does Project SEARCH work?
Students participate in three targeted rotations at a large host business, UPMC. Each school day, students report to the UPMC host site for classroom instruction and rotations.
Worksite locations are an integral part of the student’s training. These experiences are planned with the host business, student and Project SEARCH staff.
UPMC managers at training sites work with the UPMC Project SEARCH staff and students to teach job skills. Students receive continual feedback on skills and progress. Data collection and progress is discussed at monthly update employment planning meetings.
