GUELPH – Following what officials call “an incredibly successful inaugural year,” a new cohort of students is set to join Guelph’s Project SEARCH program. The school-to-work learning initiative is welcoming eight program interns who officials say are eager to begin their learning journey.
Project SEARCH is a comprehensive training program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are entering their final year of high school.
The program provides employment skills and instruction from a dedicated team of educators along with hands-on work experience geared to in-demand roles in the local labour market.
The Project SEARCH University of Guelph team, comprised of the Wellington Catholic District School Board, Upper Grand District School Board, University of Guelph, and March of Dimes Canada, will provide students with support and guidance over the coming months as they complete a variety of in-class learning and internship placements across the University.
Project SEARCH was developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which is still the administrative headquarters for the organization.
It’s a business-led, one-year internship program.
The hallmark of Project SEARCH is total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training leading to acquisition of marketable work skills. Project SEARCH’s goal is to secure competitive, integrated employment for every program participant.
