What does it mean to be a Project SEARCH Intern?
An intern is a student who has been accepted into the Project SEARCH Program, has a strong desire to work, has no behavioral/attendance concerns and is eager to gain employment through work experience.
Students in the program will be referred to as interns. They will be expected to participate in Corewell Health’s work culture and do their best to uphold Corewell Health’s vision, mission and will abide by all policies/procedures.
Why is this considered a student’s last year of school?
The goal of Project SEARCH is to provide interns with marketable and transferable skills that lead to employment opportunities. It functions as an employment preparation program and serves as a student’s final year of educational programming.
Students who are working toward a diploma generally earn their final credit during their internship.
Students should anticipate earning employment opportunities and entering the workforce after completing their internship.
Will participants still be considered a student at their current school/district?
Yes & no. Interns are still associated with their resident district, but Berrien RESA will become responsible for implementing the student’s IEP as the operating district.
What should a student do if they are interested in participating in Project SEARCH?
Students should contact their high school special education teacher or the district’s special education director. They will provide you with an application, or you can find a link to the application on this webpage.
If accepted, what calendar schedule will interns follow?
Interns participating in the program will follow the Berrien RESA school year calendar.
What are the hours?
Interns are expected to work at their job placement site from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM each workday.
How do interns get to work?
If you/your student needs transportation, Berrien RESA will work with your resident district to arrange transportation to and from Corewell Health.
Are participants required to work with specific agencies?
Yes, interns are required to have an open case with Michigan Rehabilitative Services and understand that Berrien RESA will serve as their operating district. Based on the intern’s needs, other agencies may provide additional support.
What do applicants do once they are accepted into the Program?
After receiving an acceptance letter, applicants will be invited to a New Intern Orientation meeting at Corewell Health Medical Center in St. Joseph, which will outline all the requirements (such as drug screening, tuberculosis testing, and background checks) and Career Camp.
What happens at the New Intern Orientation meeting?
Interns will be introduced to all the Project SEARCH partners, take a tour of Corewell Health Medical Center and walk through the requirements leading up to the first day of work at the hospital.
They will receive a student handbook that outlines expectations and procedures related to their conduct as a Project SEARCH participant. The handbook will cover topics such as dress code, attendance expectations, lunch options, and more.
Why do students need an “open case” with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) or the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)?
MRS and BSBP are Project SEARCH partners, and to receive their services, a case will need to be opened if one is not already. MRS or BSBP will proactively support the student interns throughout their entire Project SEARCH experience.
Are student interns required to complete an intake process with Riverwood?
Should an intern need to open a case with Riverwood, they would do so after they have started their intern year. An appointment will be made at a time convenient for the intern.
Why do student interns need to have a flu shot and TB test?
As a Project SEARCH participant, student interns must follow Corewell Health’s rules and expectations for their employees. According to their policies, a flu shot and TB test OR a medical waiver are required.
Why do student interns need to take and pass a drug test and background check?
As a Project SEARCH participant, student interns must follow Corewell Health’s rules and expectations for their employees.
Why do student interns need to have a new IEP meeting before starting Project SEARCH?
Project SEARCH is a school-to-work transition program. To comply with the program guidelines, all student interns must complete a new IEP before their first day. This ensures the internship experience and transition services are tied to educational outcomes.
What is the dress code?
Interns are required to wear a navy blue shirt with the Project SEARCH logo, khaki pants, and non-skid shoes. Each Intern is provided with 5 shirts. If needed, vouchers are available through Michigan Rehabilitation Services to help with the cost of pants and shoes.
If I have more questions regarding Project SEARCH, whom should I contact?
The county coordinator of the program is Robin Snyder, Berrien RESA’s Supervisor of Ancillary Health Services. She can be reached at 269-471-7725 or email
robin.snyder@berrienresa.org.
