Connect

The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program at UVA Community Health has added nine graduates! The internship program is celebrating its 12^th year of helping adults ages 18-21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have earned an Applied Studies diploma, to gain career and life skills — and find employment.

The one-year, unpaid, business-led program promotes an inclusive internship experience, and employability and independent living skills. For this Project SEARCH — UVA Community Health partners with the Prince William County School System, Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and Didlake in Manassas, Virginia.

“Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations,” touts Project SEARCH, with the goal of competitive employment for each program participant.

From greeting patients to cooking meals, from sorting linens to fixing lights and plumbing and more — the award-winning international program connects participants with developmental disabilities with training opportunities for competitive, integrated employment. UVA Health Prince William Medical Center is a Project SEARCH site, where participants partner with three mentors — and intern within the hospital three hours per day, five days each week.

The program also teaches innovative adaptations, offering continuous feedback from teachers, skills trainers, and employers and long-term job coaching

Project SEARCH can help interns build resumes — and participants find just as importantly — confidence, focus, and independence.

While the program does not guarantee employment at UVA Health, many Project SEARCH participants have been hired and even mentor current program participants. 

Project SEARCH partners with the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services and Didlake to continue supporting participants once they graduate.

“Project SEARCH is an amazing internship opportunity! It gives students with developmental disabilities an opportunity to gain real life work experience,” says Rozlyn Giddens, Community Engagement Manager, UVA Community Health.

“I think a lot of times, people with a disability are not acknowledged for the skills that they have, and this is a great program to be able to get them out there so people can see that they do have the knowledge to continue on — become something great!” shares Mike Jenkins, Project SEARCH Mentor, UVA Health.

Watch more in this this inspiring video, courtesy of Prince William County Public Schools: