Project SEARCH FAQs

What is Project SEARCH?

Project SEARCH is a one-year, business-led, school-to-work internship program that takes place entirely at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. The program's primary objective is to secure competitive employment for students with disabilities by giving them marketable work skills.

Who collaborates to make Project SEARCH possible?

  • Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
  • Progressive Abilities Support Services (PASS)
  • Pinellas County Schools
  • Florida Vocational Rehabilitation
  • The State of Florida (funder)

Who participates in Project SEARCH?

Project SEARCH is designed for students ages 18-22 whose goal is competitive employment. The students work with a team that includes their family, a special education teacher, a job coach and a vocational rehabilitation counselor to create an employment goal and support the student during this important transition from school to the workplace. Students who have finished their graduation requirements will be able to apply to participate.

When does Project SEARCH take place?

The program typically takes place Monday through Friday during the Pinellas County Schools academic year.

How does Project SEARCH work at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital?

Students participate in a three-week orientation followed by three 10-week internship rotations within these departments: Environmental Services, Food Services and Rehabilitation Services. Students begin their day with an hour-long class, spend up to five hours learning job skills at their internship, then return to the classroom to reflect on their day, discuss challenges and evaluate progress. Each student will have two employment planning meetings during each internship period. After graduating from the program, the goal is for each student to find a job locally using the work skills learned at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.

What makes Project SEARCH unique to Tampa Bay?

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital was the first Project SEARCH site in Florida's west coast.