Where does the program take place?
The Berrien County program takes place at Corewell Health Medical Center (Lakeland) in St. Joseph.
Who is eligible to participate?
Students who are 18 years old or older, have an IEP and a desire to work are able to apply to participate in the program. Access to reliable transportation is essential to be successful in Project SEARCH. Our partners will help explore transportation options if needed.
What are the goals of the program?
The goal for each student participant is competitive employment. The program provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills to help youths with significant disabilities make successful transitions from school to productive adult life.
The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of training and career exploration, innovative adaptations, long-term skills training, and continuous feedback from teachers, skills trainers, job coaches and employers. As a result, at the completion of the training program, students with significant intellectual disabilities can be employed in nontraditional, complex and rewarding jobs.
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 by sponsoring parties as well as coworkers during the program. They will be expected to participate in the Corewell Health’s work culture and do their best to uphold Corewell Health’s vision, mission and will abide by all policies/procedures.
If a student is interested in Project SEARCH, what should the student do?
Students should contact their high school special education teacher or district’s special education director. They will provide you with application information.
Why is this considered as student’s last year of school?
The goal of Project SEARCH is to provide interns with marketable and transferable skills that lead
to employment. Interested students should anticipate earning employment opportunities and entering the workforce once they have completed their internship experience.
What school calendar schedule will student interns follow with Project SEARCH?
Interns participating in the program will follow the Berrien RESA school year calendar. This calendar can be found by visiting BerrienRESA.org.
What are the daily hours for Project SEARCH?
Interns are expected to work at their job placement site from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each work day. These times do not include transportation.
How do students get to their job each day?
Interns are responsible for their own transportation either through personal or public transportation. Project SEARCH does not provide transportation.
Will participants still be considered a student at their current school/ district?
The Project SEARCH program is a capstone experience for students. As such, Berrien RESA will become responsible for implementing the student’s IEP as the operating district.
Are participants required to work with certain agencies in order to comply with the program’s structure?
Yes, interns are required to have open cases with Michigan Rehabilitative Services and understand that
Berrien RESA will serve as their operating school district. Based on the intern’s need, other partners may provide additional support.
If I have more questions regarding Project SEARCH, who should I contact?
The Berrien County coordinator is Robin Snyder, Berrien RESA’s Supervisor of Ancillary Health Services. She can be reached at (269) 471-7725 ext. 3604 or robin.snyder@berrienresa.org.
