Project SEARCH is an international initiative aimed at facilitating successful long-term employment for individuals with disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program fosters partnerships among businesses (employers), local school districts, vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies, and employment provider.

The program takes place in a business setting where total immersion in the workplace facilitates teaching and learning and enables enrolled VR customers to develop marketable work skills and increase their employability. Each customer has the opportunity to participate in three internships to explore a variety of career paths. The customer works with a team that includes the customer’s family and partnering agencies. The team helps the customer create an employment goal and supports the customer during the transition from school to work.

The ultimate goal of Project SEARCH is to secure competitive employment and integrated work settings for each program participant. Whether within the host business or elsewhere in the community, the program aims to provide stable, meaningful, and competitively compensated jobs. This approach ensures the long-term success and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and society.