Vocational Rehabilitation, Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13, and the Lancaster County Office of Behavioral Health/Developmental Services in Project SEARCH, a workplace immersion program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal is to help students learn on-the-job skills, build confidence, and ultimately secure competitive employment after graduation.
Students in their last year of high school attend class onsite at Lancaster General Hospital and participate in three worksite internships, building communication, problem-solving and job-specific skills.
The classroom curriculum concentrates on work, social and life skills. Worksite internships are the foundation of the Project SEARCH program. Students have been immersed in 25 departments at LG Health, including the Emergency Department, Food Services, Housekeeping, Laboratory, Sterile Processing, Patient Transport, Laundry, and hospital units.
“We are thrilled to celebrate 10 years of the Project SEARCH program at LG Health,” said Maria Shedleski, Volunteer Services manager. “It is amazing to watch our student interns flourish, gain independence, confidence and work experience.”