Six high school students are returning to work at Mary Lanning Healthcare on Wednesday as part of Project SEARCH.
The students signed up in May to take part in the one-year work training program, which involves Educational Service Unit #9, Hastings Public Schools, Adams Central Public Schools, Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Health and Human Services.
The program gives students with disabilities the opportunity to explore careers and develop skills while working in a real-life setting. They receive individualized job and personal development training, rotating jobs every 10 weeks to find the right fit.
Instructor Amy Vetter said the ultimate goal of the program is for students to become independent adults who are able to work in a competitive environment.
“Several of our former students continue to work at MLH and other businesses in Hastings,” Vetter said. “It is fun to watch them grow and see them thrive in their jobs.”
Eric Barber, MLH President & CEO, said Hastings is lucky to have a program like Project Search in the community, and MLH enjoys welcoming the students as perspective employees.
“Project SEARCH provides a win-win situation for the students and MLH,” Barber said. “We are happy to host this amazing program.”
About Project SEARCH:
Project SEARCH was developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which is still the administrative headquarters for the organization. Project SEARCH is a business-led, one-year work-preparation 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 and hands-on training. Project SEARCH’s primary objective is to secure competitive employment for every program participant. For more information, visit www.projectsearch.us.
