GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County District Schools, Vocational Rehabilitation, Challenge Enterprises and other key stakeholders are partnering to open career opportunities for those with disabilities through Project SEARCH. 

The ambitious program is a one-year high school initiative that combines classroom work and hands-on internships to prepare students for entry-level employment. 

The school district is offering three unpaid internships at Kindred Hospital of Northeast Florida. Students there experience marketable job skills, exposure to professional workplace expectations and the chance to explore new career interests. 

“Throughout the program, students refine their career goals, collaborate with adult service providers, and create actionable plans to achieve long-term employment and life objectives,” said Janet Wantage, the CCDS’s Multi-Grade Application Technology Teach for Exceptional Student Education. “The ultimate goal of Project SEARCH is competitive employment, with graduates equipped with the skills, confidence and experience necessary to successfully enter the workforce." 

To qualify for one of the internships, a student must be between 18 and 21 years old and not turn 22 before the school year ends, have an active Individualized Education Program (special learning need), have a significant barrier to employment and qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation’s Supportive Employment program. 

The internships coincide with the services provided by Challenge Enterprises. Since 1972, Challenge Enterprises has provided employment opportunities to more than 250 people and has promoted independence and vocational training to 294 people. 

Project SEARCH, which stands for Search for Employment, Education, and Renewed Community Hope, is an extension of that. 

“Our mission with the Project SEARCH program is to empower young adults with disabilities to achieve competitive employment and lead fulfilling adult lives,” said Challenge CEO Katie Vineyard. “We believe in providing real-life work experiences combined with training in employability and independent-living skills to ensure successful transitions into the workforce.”

Project SEARCH offers competitive, meaningful employment for each student participant. The program provides three 10-week internships tailored to each intern's interests and career goals. Through the internships, each student will develop a plethora of skills and tools while exploring multiple employment sectors. This interest and skill building will be vital as we develop successful career paths. 

Project SEARCH is an immersive employment preparation program conducted entirely in the workplace. Interns benefit from a seamless blend of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The primary goal is to equip each participant with the skills and confidence needed to secure competitive employment. 

Benefits include a variety of internships within Medtronic host site, acquire competitive, transferable and marketable job skills; gain increased independence, confidence and self-esteem; obtain work-based individualized coaching, instruction and feedback; and develop linkages to Vocational Rehabilitation and other adult service agencies. 

For more information, email janet.wantage@myoneclay.net.