Project SEARCH is designed to give student interns the opportunity to have a variety of work experiences, to explore different careers, and to learn competitive work skills in a wide range of settings. This process helps to refine each student intern's career goal and to prepare each student intern for employment.

As a starting point, Erin Riehle, Director of Cincinnati Children's Emergency Department, presented her ideas to Susie Rutkowski, special education director at Great Oaks Career Campuses. A partnership was instantaneously formed and Project SEARCH (www.projectsearch.us) was launched.

Project SEARCH is a one-year internship program for students with disabilities who are in their exit year of public education.

Transition-to-Work Program The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of skills training and career exploration, innovative adaptations, long-term job coaching, and continuous feedback from teachers, skills trainers, and employers.