Project Search

Project SEARCH is a program for students who have completed all requirements for graduation from high school. It is a transition program for students to go from high school to a competitive job. The program was developed in collaboration with Great Oaks Institute of Technology, Ohio Rehabilitation Services, and Xavier University. These three organizations together focus on education and employment for people with mild disabilities. Within Project SEARCH, students are at worksites for one school year and work as interns, without pay. These "interns" range from 18 to 22 years old.

Xavier University was the first University to host the Project SEARCH program and it is currently in its fifth year. Project SEARCH has now been replicated in close to one hundred sites throughout the country, as well as sites in England and Canada. While at Xavier, the students rotate through three work site experiences which allows them to build various skills, focus on communication and problem solving. The goal is for the interns to learn these job duties based on their individual abilities so they can become independent in a competitive work environment. Throughout the students' rotations, they receive on-the-job coaching if necessary, support with accommodations and interaction with various employees and students at XU and the University of Cincinnati. It is a win-win situation for everyone. The goal is competitive employment and can occur anytime throughout the school year, either on campus or back in their home community. We are always looking for sites to host a student to help them gain employability skills.
 

Project SEARCH 2012-2013 Application:

        Click here for the Project SEARCH application packet for the 2012-2013 academic year. 

For additional information contact

Kevin Huss
Call: 513-745-1057
E-mail: kevin.huss@xavier.edu