History & Research
About Us
Project SEARCH Michigan is part of an internationally recognized, business-led internship program that helps young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities transition from school to the workforce. Our mission is to prepare students for success in competitive, integrated employment through immersive, real-world experiences.
Founded at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Project SEARCH has expanded to hundreds of sites worldwide. In Michigan, the program continues to grow by serving school districts, businesses, and communities across the state.
Project SEARCH is a business-focused, one-year internship program for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most participants are enrolled while transitioning from high school to work. The hallmark of Project SEARCH is total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, hands-on training leading to acquisition of marketable work skills. Project SEARCH's goal is to secure competitive, integrated employment for every program participant.
What Makes Project SEARCH Unique?
The program features a one-year school-to-work internship hosted entirely at a local business. Each intern participates in:
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Total workplace immersion
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Daily on-site classroom instruction
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Personalized job coaching
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Hands-on training across multiple departments
By combining education with practical experience, Project SEARCH empowers interns to develop job-specific skills, build confidence, and become independent contributors in the workforce.
Why It Matters
Only 19% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are employed nationally. In Michigan, 85% of Project SEARCH graduates secure competitive employment, demonstrating the strength of the model and the dedication of our community partners.
Project SEARCH Michigan strengthens:
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Students by building confidence, purpose, and employment skills.
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Businesses by developing a reliable, trained talent pipeline.
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Communities by reducing reliance on public support and increasing workforce inclusion.