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 a series of targeted non-paid internships.

The hallmarks of Project SEARCH are total workplace immersion and a singular goal of competitive employment within the community for every program graduate upon completion of the skills-building experience. We strive to achieve that goal by creating an atmosphere of high expectations.

The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of skills training and career exploration, innovative adaptations, long-term job coaching, and continuous feedback from instructors, skills trainers, and business mentors. As a result, Project SEARCH helps young adults with disabilities develop the habits and mindsets needed to make them successful for the duration of their working life.

Beyond hard and soft skills acquisition, Interns learn the expectations of employers in both the recruitment process and in the workplace. Once Interns complete the program, they receive effective follow-along services to enter and advance in the workforce.

Project SEARCH High School Program

The High School Program serves:

• students,
• ages 18 to 21,
• who are on an Individual Education Program (IEP),
• have completed all of the credit requirements for graduation, and will be entering their last year of high school or high school eligibility *

Project SEARCH Adult Program

The Adult Program serves:

• young adults,
• ages 18 to 30,
• who have a documented disability, and
• have exited the school system or special education program (exhausted educational entitlements; beyond high school eligibility)

Interns are typically referred to the program through their schools, 18 to 21 programs, a family member, or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Interested candidates must apply to be considered for acceptance into the program. Space is limited to approximately 6-12 interns, per site, each year.

Applications are accepted year-round. The Bergen County Project SEARCH Advisory Committee carries out the selection process, which includes an application packet review, hands-on assessments, interviews, and scoring on a rubric related to entrance considerations. Selected interns will be matched to the most appropriate program site based on location, interest, and skills.

KEY DATES TO REMEMBER

• April 27: 2023-2024 Application + DVRS Intake Deadline
• NOTE: Please let us know if you have an application on its way and if you need accommodations (or extension) to complete it. We can accept a partial application while you work to complete it.
• May 11: Mandatory Skills Assessment & Interview Day for All Applicants
• May 18: Intern Selection (applicants will start to be notified)
• July 13: Incoming Intern Orientation
• July – August: Travel Training
• September: 2023-2024 Program Starts

Event Type	Advocacy Family Support Community Conversation Educational Workshop
Age Groups	Adolescents Adults
Community Services	Community Community Education Education Adult Education / Literacy Educational Services Special Education Employment / Training Internships Job Training Life Skills Training Preparing for Adulthood Supported Employment Vocational Training Family & Support Services Family Support
Health Services	Intellectual and Developmental Needs Advocacy Assistive Technology Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Communication Disorders Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Learning Disabilities Special Needs Support Coordination Transition Planning Medical Health / Wellness / Nutrition

Last Updated: 08/10/23