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Project SEARCH

What is Project SEARCH?

The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job development.
– National Project SEARCH


Edmond Public Schools Project SEARCH Program is located at Integris Health Edmond. Students learn transferable job skills for future employment and also participate in hour-long sessions focused on teamwork, communication, interviewing, resume writing, financial management, and health.

Work Experience Opportunities Include:

Distribution/Stocking of Supplies
Clerical/Filing/Data Entry
Customer Service
Dishwashing
Food Services
Environmental Services
Linen Services
Sanitize/Scan/Track Equipment
Room Preparation
Delivery

Typical Daily Schedule:

8:30-9:00am Huddle and prepare for the day
9:00am-2:00pm Internship 
30 minute lunch with department
2:00-2:30pm Debrief
2:30- 3:15pm Independent living and employability skills

Requirements for Application:

High school graduate
Documented disability 
Between the ages of 18-22 
Lives in Edmond Public Schools district
Eligible for Department of Rehabilitation Services (all applicants must be a DRS client or have a pending application), 
Able to pass host business screening requirements
Transportation
Desire to utilize acquired skills to obtain employment

Students who qualify and are interested will make a formal application to the program then interview with a selection committee.

student holding a bag of personal belongings

Transportation:

Interns provide their own transportation to and from the hospital daily. They can drive themselves, ride with parents, or ride Citylink public transportation which has a bus stop at the hospital! Citylink Website

city link bus stop

Helpful Links:

My Journey Begins Here…. 2nd internship and job skills classes EPM: 2. 1 2._ 3rd internship and job skills classes ЕРМ: Attend an info session Apply for VR* and DD* services *Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Developmental Disabilities (DD) Apply to Project SEARCH Complete a skills interview STOP Complete travel training Project | SEARCH® Journey to Work We are here to prepare you for this journey, and to support you along the way! Employment planning meeting (EPM): 1st internship and job skills classes Begin orientation and prepare for internships Complete other steps required by the business Attend the welcome event Explore Project SEARCH Understand and Prepare for the Program Work on Skills STOP Transition to Work How are you doing? Move forward after accepted* *If not accepted, we will refer you to other resources Participate in job search activities Attend Project SEARCH graduation Continue to work on employment plan Work Keep the team posted on job offers and

Testimonials

Parents

“I have been very impressed with the Project Search program. The coordination among EPS, Integris, and government agencies is excellent, and gives families the opportunities to know them through the orientation and monthly meetings. Knowing these resources affords families who are wondering what's next a sense of direction into the future."

Project SEARCH Family Member   

"Stephanie and Lisa show the perfect blend of a caring yet demanding relationship with the students, patiently encouraging their skills and independence to grow. I cannot imagine better role models. It is truly an amazing hands-on opportunity for the students to work with the Integris mentors as well. Their feedback through monthly conferences has been both candid and encouraging. The generous provision of uniforms and lunches is greatly appreciated as well.”

Kathryn Thompson Project SEARCH Family Member   

“We are very impressed with this program; it’s great for our daughter. She loves it, and we love that she loves it.”

Mike Klehm, Project SEARCH Parent  

“Trust your child’s current teachers. If they say they are ready, they are. They see a different side of our kids than we do.”

Alicia Colbert, Project SEARCH Parent  

Host Business Managers

“My favorite thing is seeing them come in knowing very little about the department and growing over the internship and being able to run with the ball without us watching them and telling them what to do.”

Caleb Richardson, Food Services Manager  

Interns

"What’s your favorite part of Project SEARCH?" "All of it!"

Addison Klehm, 2024-25 Intern  

Intern Perspective

Partner Recognition:

Project SEARCH Integris Health Edmond is made possible through a unique partnership between Edmond Public Schools, Integris Health Edmond, OU National Center for Disability Education and Training, the Department of Rehabilitation Services, and Dale Rogers Training Center.