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 a 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.
What should a student do if they are interested in Project SEARCH?
Students should contact their high school special education teacher or district’s special education director. They will provide you with an application, or you can click on the application button above and fill it out online.
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. Interested students should anticipate earning employment opportunities and entering the workforce once they have completed their internship experience.
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 3 PM each workday. These times do not include transportation.
How do interns get to work?
If you/your student needs transportation, Berrien RESA will work with your residential district to arrange transportation to and from Corewell Health.
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.
Are participants required to work with specific agencies?
Yes, interns are required to have open cases 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 support meetings interns must attend before their first day of work.
Do participants need to attend all the support meetings leading up to the first day of work?
Yes, it is a requirement to attend all support meetings before the start of Project SEARCH. It is also required for student interns to complete all necessary “new employee” requirements (drug screenings, background checks, etc.) as determined by Corewell Health.
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 be proactively supporting 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 that is convenient for the intern.
Why do student interns need to have a flu shot?
As a Project SEARCH participant, student interns must follow Corewell Health’s rules and expectations for their employees.
Why do student interns need to take and pass a drug test?
As a Project SEARCH participant, student interns must follow Corewell Health’s rules and expectations for their employees.
Why do student interns need to complete and pass a background check?
As a Project SEARCH participant, 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.
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.
