PROGRAMS
Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is a one-year, school-to-work program for young people in high school with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ages 18-21). The program is a total emergence from the classroom to the workplace.
Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is a unique, business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace, serving young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their last year of high school. Project SEARCH combines real-life work experience with training in employability and independent living skills helping young people with significant disabilities make successful transitions to productive adult life.
After an initial orientation, skills assessment, and familiarization within the business environment, our interns develop a career plan that guides the internship selection process and individualized job search. Through a series of three targeted internships at a host site, interns acquire competitive, marketable, and transferable skills, while building communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Once interns master the core skills, additional skills are layered to improve marketability.
Project SEARCH is a collaborative community partnership between school districts, business partners, and Magnify staff. The education provider (school district/school) supplies support through an instructor, curriculum, supplies, and sometimes a Teacher’s Assistant or paraprofessional. The business liaison provides an onsite classroom/training room, serves as an internship site, and hosts marketing events such as open houses and fairs. At the same time, the service provider (Magnify of Central Florida) provides skills training, job development, and long-term employment support for retention and career advancement.
The Project SEARCH program is funded by Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). If you are not currently a VR client, and you would like to participate, start by filling out this form.
Employment Benefits
Project SEARCH’s comprehensive programs and collaborative nature is resulting in significant employment outcomes for youth with disabilities to start a career path that will lead to greater opportunities in the future.
“All the skills I have learned from the programs helped me to be become ready for employment.”
Chad, Project SEARCH Graduate
Connect with us
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