We would like to congratulate the graduates from this year’s Project SEARCH program! We are so proud of you!
Story from the Springfield News-Sun
Nine graduate from Project SEARCH internship program
By Staff Writer
SPRINGFIELD —
Nine Clark County students received high school diplomas and career passports Monday at Springfield Regional Medical Center after completing internships as part of Project SEARCH.
The nine students included: Rebekah Hitzeman of Greenon Local School District; Christina Collins, Aaron Salyer and Quinton Hilbert of Springfield City School District; Brittany Auckerman, Darius Ivy, Joseph Gaus and Branden Miesse of Northeastern Local School District and Tyler Warden of Tecumseh Local School District.
Project SEARCH is a national program with the goal of helping high school students with developmental disabilities successfully transition into the work force. SEARCH participants spend the final year of their high school careers immersed in the workplace in order to gain work experience so they can find successful jobs after graduation.
“The goal is competitive community employment,” said Jeana Baucant, Director of Project SEARCH for Springfield-Clark Career Technical Center.
Students worked in several different departments at the hospital during their year-long internship, including receiving and shipping, dietary, environmental services, linens, landscaping, engineering and pharmacy, among others, Baucant said.
“They have to work through employer standards,” she said.
Clark County’s program is one of 35 SEARCH programs throughout Ohio. There are more than 330 Project SEARCH programs running nationally. The organization was founded in 1995 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Project SEARCH is funded through the CTC, but is supported by Springfield Regional Medical Center, Bridges to Transition, United Rehabilitation Services, Developmental Disabilities of Clark County and local school districts.
During the program, Baucant thanked the students’ families for their help in making the program a success.
“You have been the backbone of this operation,” she said.
Project SEARCH is currently seeking job placements for its students. To inquire, call Springfield Regional Medical Center at 937-523-1000.
