Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a school-to-work transition program for young adults with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities. Project SEARCH started at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 1996 and has since grown to over 500 Project SEARCH sites nationally and internationally.

The students participating in Project SEARCH are fully immersed at the UCHealth hospital in their area to learn job skills with the goal of securing competitive employment. Programs are currently available at University of Colorado Hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus, Highlands Ranch Hospital, Greeley Hospital, Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs and Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins.

About Project SEARCH at UCHealth

Our holistic approach and successful placement of young adults.

Since launching in 2017, UCHealth has supported dozens of young adults through Project SEARCH, helping them successfully complete the program and transition into meaningful employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for individuals with disabilities was just 19.3% in 2019, compared to 66.3% for those without disabilities. Project SEARCH programs aim for a minimum employment rate of 75% to be considered successful.

UCHealth’s Project SEARCH takes a holistic approach to preparing young adults for the workforce. The program focuses on identifying strengths, exploring interests, addressing barriers, and securing competitive employment that aligns with each individual’s goals and family needs. UCHealth leadership and staff recognize the exceptional contributions these young adults make across more than 100 hospital units, enriching the organization’s mission of Improving Lives.

Eligibility for Project SEARCH

To apply to Project SEARCH, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a strong desire to work.
  • Have completed graduation requirements but either deferred their diploma or are willing to do so.
  • Be currently enrolled in a local high school special education or transition program.
  • Be willing to apply for services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).
  • Must participate in travel training to develop skills for independent transportation (e.g., public transit, Access-a-Ride, carpooling, etc.).

Application process guidelines

For applicants interested in:

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital – Anschutz

Applications for Project SEARCH on the Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) open annually in December and close in February for the program starting the following August.

Please See Special note below for 2026-2027 application.

To apply for the UCH Project SEARCH program, please complete the application here, and submit the following supplemental documents to [email protected]:

  • Shot/Immunization record or copy
  • High school transcript, with counselor signature indicating student has met all requirements for graduation
  • Attendance record
  • Most recent IEP w/transition goals
  • Last Triennial IEP and any attachments i.e.:
    • Health Plan
    • Behavior Plan
    • Communication Plan
  • Proof of application to your Case Management Agency (CMA)  ** See special note re: 2026.2027 applications

Applications are deemed incomplete and will not be considered until the supplemental documents above are received.

Please reach out to The University of Colorado Hospital Project SEARCH Team at [email protected] for questions about the Project SEARCH Program.

Please note:

  1. All applicants must participate in the Skills Assessment and Interview Day to be considered for the Project SEARCH program.
    • A caregiver/guardian must attend the Skills Assessment and Interview Day with the applicant.
  2. Applicants who are deemed most eligible to be successful in a 1-year employment program will be selected for participation in the Project SEARCH program.
    • As this is a competitive program, applicants may be denied entrance to the program or be asked to re-apply for the subsequent program year.
  3. Project SEARCH on the Anschutz Medical Campus is made possible by a partnership between Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco) and Children’s Hospital Colorado/University of Colorado Hospital. This partnership allows Project SEARCH on the Anschutz Medical Campus to accept applications from ALL Metro school districts students for this program.
    • Once accepted to Project SEARCH, all participants must be choice enrolled into Jeffco Public Schools, regardless of which district is considered their “home” district. If you have questions about this, please contact the University of Colorado Hospital Project SEARCH Team.
  4. If accepted, the Project SEARCH team maintains the participants post-school goals as identified on the IEP and are appropriately and rigorously addressed through participation in the program.
  5. If the applicant is accepted into the University of Colorado Hospital Project SEARCH Program, eligibility for public education after Project SEARCH is no longer necessary as participants are either employed or working on gaining employment. A graduation ceremony will take place at the end of the Project SEARCH program year (May) at your assigned program site (Children’s Hospital Colorado or University of Colorado Hospital), at which the participant will receive their diploma from their home school district.
  6. In addition to our partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools, Project SEARCH at the University of Colorado Hospital is made possible by the contributions of several other key agencies.

Denver Metro Case Management Agencies (CMA)- formally Community Centered Boards (CCBs)

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Jefferson County Business and Workforce Center

Special note for 2026-2027 applications

Required Steps to Apply for Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is funded in part by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), which supports our job coaching services. Due to anticipated budget shortfalls, DVR will implement an Order of Selection (waitlist) starting January 1, 2026. Order of Selection historically has lasted 18-24 months.  To ensure students receive full support—including job coaching, training, and career development—early application to DVR is critical, even if students are still in high school or not yet fully committed to Project SEARCH. Early application helps avoid delays in accessing services—whether for Project SEARCH or other employment programs.

Additionally, Project SEARCH at University of Colorado Hospital will also require applicants to go through the process of becoming eligible for their CMA prior to applications to the program.  Having CMA support in place benefits students regardless of final program placement.

Required Applications prior to Project SEARCH applications

  1. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
    DVR Online Request for Services
    → In the accommodations section, write:
    “Interested in Pre-ETS and Project SEARCH” to ensure proper routing.
  2. Local Case Management Agency (CMA, formerly CCB)
    CMA and CCB Agency Directory

Note:
Applying to DVR does not guarantee acceptance into Project SEARCH. If a student is not accepted, DVR eligibility can still be used for other employment-related services—or closed if no longer needed.


Applications for the Project SEARCH Program at University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado will open in October.
This consistent timeline helps families plan ahead and prepare for the application process with confidence.

Please reach out to Stephanie Crookston- Manager of Project SEARCH at [email protected] for any questions regarding this application adjustment. 

UCHealth Greeley Hospital

Applications are accepted October to December for the upcoming school year. Please send an email to Heather Jackson at [email protected] to request that a secure application be sent to you.

Please note:

  1. All students selected to advance by the Selection Committee must participate in the Skills Assessment Day and interview phase to be considered for a placement in Project SEARCH. Students invited to advance to the Skills Assessment Day and interview phase will be advised of the day and time to attend, and a family member or guardian must attend as well.
  2. Students who are deemed most eligible to be successful in a 1-year employment program will be selected for Project SEARCH. Applicants may be denied entrance to the program, or be asked to re-apply for the subsequent program year.
  3. Project SEARCH is made possible by a partnership between Greeley Evans District 6 and UCHealth Greeley Hospital. Participants must be enrolled in Greeley Evans District 6.
  4. Project SEARCH maintains that a student’s post-school goals as identified on the IEP are appropriately and rigorously addressed through participation in the program and eligibility for public education is no longer necessary at the end of the school year. A graduation ceremony will take place at the end of the Project SEARCH program year at your student’s assigned program, at which they will receive their diploma from the home school district.
  5. In addition to Greeley Evans District 6, Project SEARCH is made possible through partnership with several other key agencies. As a participant in Project SEARCH, students may be required to apply to receive services and support from the following agencies:
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Arc of Northeast Colorado
  • Employment Services of Weld County
  • Weld County Case Management Agency
    • NOTE: Ineligibility for Weld County Case Management Agency services DOES NOT disqualify the student from the Project SEARCH Program
  • Greeley Evans Transit (GET)
UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital

Applications for the Highlands Ranch Project SEARCH program are accepted from December to February for the upcoming school year.

In addition to the application, please plan to submit the following with your application:

  • Shot/Immunization records.
  • High school transcript, with counselor signature indicating student has met all requirements for graduation.
  • Attendance record.
  • Most recent IEP w/transition goals.
  • Last Triennial IEP and any attachments i.e.:
    • Health Plan
    • Behavior Plan
    • Communication Plan

Applications are deemed incomplete and will not be considered until the supplemental documents above are received.

For questions or if you need help with the application process, reach out to the HRH Project SEARCH Team at [email protected].

Important Information

  1. Skills Assessment and Interview Day:
    • Applicants selected by the Project SEARCH Selection Committee must attend the Skills Assessment and Interview Day to be considered for the program.
    • Specific details will be provided by the Project SEARCH Program Manager after a completed application is received.
    • A family member or guardian is required to attend with the applicant.
  2. Selection Criteria:
    • This is a competitive program, and applicants most likely to succeed in the one-year employment program will be selected.
    • Applicants not selected may be invited to reapply for the next program year.
  3. Eligibility:
    • Project SEARCH at Highlands Ranch Hospital is a partnership between Douglas County School District and UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital. Only students eligible for the DougCo Bridge Program may apply.
  4. Graduation and Post-School Goals:
    • Accepted participants will have their post-school goals, as outlined in their IEP, addressed through the program.
    • After completing Project SEARCH, Project SEARCH supports participants in achieving their post-school goals, as outlined in their IEP. Upon completing the program, participants graduate, receive their diplomas, and are no longer eligible for public education. A graduation ceremony will be held in May to celebrate their achievements.
  5. Support Agencies:

    Project SEARCH is made possible through collaboration with:
    • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
    • Arapahoe and Douglas County Works! Workforce Center
    • The Arc of Arapahoe, Douglas & Ebert Counties
    • Denver Metro Case Management Agencies (CMAs), formerly known as Community Centered Boards (CCBs)

Note: Ineligibility for CMA services does not disqualify a student from participating in Project SEARCH.

UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central

Project SEARCH applications are accepted from October to February. Please send an email to [email protected] to request that a secure application be sent to you.

Please note:

  1. All students selected to advance by the Selection Committee must participate in the Skills Assessment Day and interview phase to be ultimately considered for a spot in the Project SEARCH. All students asked to advance to the Skills Assessment Day and interview phase will be instructed on the day a time to be present for the Skills Assessment Day and interview by the Project SEARCH Program Managers. A family member or guardian must attend this session with the student.
  2. Students who are deemed most eligible to be successful in a 1-year employment program will be selected for Project SEARCH. Applicants may be denied entrance to the program, or be asked to re-apply for the subsequent program year.
  3. Project SEARCH is made possible by a partnership between Academy District 20 and UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central.
  4. Project SEARCH maintains that a student’s post-school goals as identified on the IEP are appropriately and rigorously addressed through participation in the program and eligibility for public education is no longer necessary at the end of the school year. A graduation ceremony will take place at the end of the Project SEARCH program year at your student’s assigned program, at which they will receive their diploma from the home school district.
  5. In addition to our partnership with Academy District 20, Project SEARCH is made possible by the contributions of several other key agencies. As a participant in Project SEARCH, your student may require application to receive services and support from the following agencies to participate in Project SEARCH.
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Pikes Peak Workforce Center
  • The Resource Exchange (TRE)
    • NOTE: Ineligibility for TRE services DOES NOT disqualify the student from the Project SEARCH Program
UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital

Project SEARCH applications are accepted December- February for the upcoming school year. Please send an email [email protected]  to request that a secure application be sent to you. 

Please note:

  1. Students who are deemed most eligible to be successful in a 1-year employment program will be selected for Project SEARCH. Applicants may be denied entrance to the program, or be asked to re-apply for the subsequent program year.
  2. Project SEARCH is made possible by a partnership between Poudre School District and UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital.
  3. Project SEARCH maintains that a student’s post-school goals as identified on the IEP are appropriately and rigorously addressed through participation in the program and eligibility for public education is no longer necessary at the end of the school year. A graduation ceremony will take place at the end of the Project SEARCH program year at your student’s assigned program, at which they will receive their diploma from the home school district.
  4. In addition to Poudre School District, Project SEARCH is made possible through partnership with several other key agencies. As a participant in Project SEARCH, students may be required to apply to receive services and support from the following agencies:
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • The ARC of Larimer County
  • Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development
  • Foothills Gateway
    • NOTE: Ineligibility for the CMA services DOES NOT disqualify the student from the Project SEARCH Program.

Contact us

Have questions or issues?

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital: Send email communications to Stephanie Crookston at [email protected].

UCHealth Greeley Hospital: Send email communications to Heather Jackson at [email protected].

UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital: Send email communications to [email protected].

UCHealth Memorial Central Hospital: Send email communications to [email protected] or call 719.365.1220.

UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital: Send email communications to Andy Abbott at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a school-to-work transition program for students with a disability(s) aged 18-21. Students are immersed in the host business from August to May learning job skills to gain competitive integrated employment at the program end. During their time at Project SEARCH students are unpaid.

Does my student have to be in their final year of transition to apply?

While we encourage students to participate in a year (or two) of transition programming, it is not a requirement. If your student is 18 and ready to work, we welcome their application to Project SEARCH.

My student only wants to work part time, can they apply?

Yes. Project SEARCH is a part-time program. In alignment with national fidelity standards, participants are required to be in session for approximately 25 hours per week. This structure supports skill development while accommodating individual needs and energy levels

My student has mobility issues, can they apply?

Yes. Project SEARCH classrooms and hospital sites are equipped with accommodations and adaptive technology to support students with mobility challenges. If your student is accepted into the program, our staff will work closely with them to ensure appropriate workplace adaptations are in place to support their success.

Do you have to be eligible/enrolled with your Case Management Agency (i.e.- Developmental Pathways, Developmental Disability Resource Center, Rocky Mountain Human Services, TRE, Envision)?

No. Some individuals will not be deemed eligible to patriciate with a CMA (Case Management agency –formally known as a CCB), and that’s okay. Project SEARCH is still an option for you.

Do you need to take a bus or Access-a-Ride to participate?

We highly encourage students to work toward independent transportation as part of building life and job readiness skills. This could include using Access-a-Ride, RTD, Uber, Lyft, or other options. We’ll work with each student and family to find a transportation plan that fits.

Can students on a Behavioral Plan or with mental health needs apply?

Yes. In fact, the structured and fast-paced nature of Project SEARCH can sometimes be just what a student needs-especially if they’ve struggled in traditional school environments. We encourage teachers and guardians to apply on their behalf so we can see them in action and assess how the program might support their growth and success.

Can students who want to work outside of the medical field apply?

Absolutely. Hospitals operate like mini cities, offering a wide range of departments beyond direct patient care—including Food Services, Facilities, Human Resources, Administration, IT, and more. The skills learned through Project SEARCH are highly transferable and can be applied to jobs in many industries.

Do you need to be enrolled in a certain district to apply?

No. Students have the option to choice enroll into the Project SEARCH programs located at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. Enrollment is open to eligible students regardless of their home district.  

Can my student can go back to transition, SWAP or other programs after completing Project SEARCH?

No. Project SEARCH is designed as a culminating experience focused on preparing students for competitive employment. After spending nine months developing job skills and gaining real-world experience, students are expected to transition into the workforce. Returning to transition or SWAP programs is not part of the post-SEARCH pathway.

Will my student transition back to the community for a new skills trainer/job coach after Project SEARCH?

In almost all cases, your student will continue working with the same skills trainer from Project SEARCH to support their transition into paid employment. If the student secures a job outside the hospital and requires ongoing long-term support, they may be transferred to a new skills trainer.

Does my student have to work at the hospital after completing Project SEARCH?

No. Skills trainers work with each student to find employment that aligns with their interests—whether that’s within the hospital or out in the community. The goal is to support students in securing meaningful, competitive employment in a setting that’s right for them.

What if my student’s teacher or case manager doesn’t support applying to Project SEARCH? Can they still apply?

Yes. While Project SEARCH staff work closely with schools and value their input, we encourage any interested student to apply. Skills Day gives us the opportunity to observe applicants in action and determine if the program is a good fit. Every student deserves the chance to explore their potential.

If my student gets declined, can they reapply?

Yes. If a student is not accepted into Project SEARCH for a given year, both the student and their guardian will receive a “next steps” email from the Project SEARCH team. If the student still has transition years remaining and is under the age of 21, they are highly encouraged to reapply in the future.

Can my student can go to college or participate in college programs after graduation?

At this time, no. Your student has spent the past nine months developing job skills with the primary goal of gaining employment. Because they are transitioning into paid work, they are not currently eligible for college programs funded by DVR or CMAS. Eligibility for those programs typically resumes a year or more after securing paid employment. If your student is interested in experiencing college after becoming employed, they may need to pay out of pocket. However, there are opportunities available through employment. Both UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado participate in the Ascend program, which offers funding for college education and certification. Any paid employee at either organization is eligible to apply for this benefit.

Will my student hear from Project SEARCH staff after graduation?

Yes. We offer a variety of exciting alumni events for all Project SEARCH graduates, including community gatherings and travel adventures. These events are a great way to stay connected, build friendships, and continue growing beyond the program.