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, Greeley Hospital, and Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs.
About Project SEARCH at UCHealth
Our holistic approach and successful placement of young adults.
Since starting the program in 2017, UCHealth has worked with and supported dozens of young adults who have successfully attended and graduated from the program. According the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the employment rate for those with a disability was 19.3% in 2019, a stark contrast to the 66.3% for those without a disability. Operating a successful Project SEARCH requires an employment rate of 75% or above. UCHealth consistently places young adults in successful long-term jobs at a rate of 90% or greater since starting in 2017.
Project SEARCH at UCHealth takes a holistic approach to working with the young adults in our program. This includes highlighting strengths, identifying interests, overcoming barriers and challenges, and striving to obtain competitive employment that matches what works best for the young adult and their family. UCHealth’s leadership and staff acknowledge the exceptional contribution these young adults make in over 100 participating hospital units across our three participating UCHealth hospitals. Their involvement has brought a new dimension to our mission of Improving Lives.
Eligibility for Project SEARCH
To be eligible to apply to Project SEARCH, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Completed graduation requirements but deferred diploma or are willing to defer diploma.
- Currently enrolled in a local high school special education program or transition program.
- Have a strong desire to work.
- Willing to apply for services with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) as well as enroll in services with the preferred Community Center Board (CCB).
- Open to travel training to gain skills to travel to the program independently via public transportation, Access-a-Ride, carpooling, etc.
Application process guidelines
For applicants interested in:
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 Melissa Strickland at [email protected].
UCHealth Memorial Central Hospital: Send email communications to Beth Konikoff at [email protected].