Embedded Internships with Providence Medical Center 

Project SEARCH is part of an international model implemented in locations such as Reykjavik, Iceland, Buderim, Australia, as well as across the U.S. It is designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have moderate to high levels of independence in work and daily living skills. Students in this program are capable of working a full day, four days a week, in real-world settings, including large or sensitive environments. After meeting volunteer requirements, students will intern at Providence Medical Center, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The program is focused on preparing students for success in competitive, integrated employment.

Locations 

• Providence St. Joseph Medical Center (Sacred Heart Medical Center)

• Holy Family Medical Center

• St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center 

These programs are designed to emphasize independent functioning in a real work setting at local hospitals. The goal is to get students with developmental disabilities connected with real, meaningful employment after they leave the school system with the help of adult service support agencies. 

In order to work at hospital sites, students have to meet strict hospital volunteer requirements. This means that they have to demonstrate appropriate behaviors/social interaction skills, follow directions, and eventually be independent and meet company standard.  An application, skills assessment and interview with the Project SEARCH team, and medical screening are required. 

The Project SEARCH team may include SPS admin and staff, PSJMC representatives, DDA, DVR, Employment Agency representatives, and Community members. 

Please note, Project Search at Providence Medical Center is unique in that it is designed for students who are eligible for services through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and in their last year of school district service eligibility.  

Learn more about the Project SEARCH international model.

Project SEARCH connects students to internships that are aligned with their skills and interests. Potential internship areas include:

• Administrative/Office Support

• Customer Service

• Materials Handling

• Food Service

• Hospitality

• Environmental Services

• Utility Maintenance

Each internship is designed to provide real-world work experience while allowing students to develop the independence and skills needed for successful employment.

As part of the secondary transition process, we focus on connecting students to their community by linking them with local nonprofits, afterschool activities, and additional resources. This helps students build a network of support and gain valuable life skills outside the classroom. By partnering with community organizations, we provide opportunities for students to engage in meaningful activities that align with their interests and goals, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. These connections also open doors to further educational and employment opportunities, ensuring students have the tools and resources they need for a successful transition into adulthood.

A typical week for students in the Project SEARCH program includes a balance of hands-on internship experience, classroom learning, and community engagement to support both personal and professional development.

• Monday–Thursday: Students spend approximately five hours each day at their internship sites, gaining real-world experience. These internships help students build valuable job skills in areas such as dishwashing, stocking shelves, and handling linens. Over the course of the program, each student rotates through three different internship sites, with each rotation lasting 12 weeks, allowing them to explore a variety of roles and develop a broad range of workplace skills.

• Friday: Each week ends with a day dedicated to recreation and leisure, giving students the chance to build social connections and unwind. Occasionally, community guest speakers are invited to share their experiences, offering inspiration and additional learning.

To participate in Project SEARCH, students must meet certain prerequisites to ensure they can thrive in the program. These include:

• Have excellent attendance.

• Be able to consistently follow a dress code.

• Be able to complete tasks independently.

• Be cooperative and courteous with others.

• Follow instructions and accept constructive criticism.

• Be able to communicate needs, wants, and interests.

These prerequisites help ensure students are prepared to succeed in both internship placements and classroom instruction.

Starting the first school day of November, Case Managers can submit the Secondary Transition Application for students interested in the program. The deadline to apply is the last school day of January. As part of the process, students will also complete a skills assessment, participate in an interview, and take a tour of the program site.

For students interested in hospital site placements, additional steps are required. They must meet strict hospital volunteer requirements, including demonstrating appropriate behavior and social interaction skills, following directions, and eventually working independently while meeting company standards. This process includes submitting an application, completing a skills assessment and interview with the Project SEARCH team, and passing a medical screening.