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- What is Project SEARCH
Where business and education come together
Project SEARCH York is a one year school-to-work transition program for youth who have developmental or intellectual disabilities whose main post-secondary goal is employment and will benefit from career exploration. The cornerstone of this program is immersion into a large business or organization. Students, or Interns, learn job skills while participating in a variety of worksite rotations with the goal of competitive employment and are supported by a team including a certified York Catholic Teacher and Skills Trainers from Community Living York South.
- Eligibility and Recruitment
Project SEARCH York welcomes applications from students who meet the following eligibility criteria.
Applicants must:
- Have the desire to work competitively
- Minimum of 18 years of age at the start of the program
- Be diagnosed with an intellectual/developmental disability or Autism
- Be eligible to enroll in a YCDSB high school for the upcoming school year
- Agree that the Project SEARCH York school year will be the last year of student services and that student will not be returning to high school upon completion of the program
- Be available to work at the conclusion of the Project SEARCH York program
- Maintain appropriate behaviour/social skills/ hygiene in the workplace
- Be able to take direction from supervisors and change behaviour
- Be able to communicate effectively (i.e. oral or communication device)
- Use public transportation when available, and participate in travel training to ensure success in using York Region Transit independently.
- Be able to pass a police check and be willing to complete any additional requirements of the host business site.
- Be willing to participate in the Project SEARCH York training program, which includes 3 co-op placements at the host business
- Critical Dates and Deadlines
Recruitment Timeline for 2022 – 2023 Participation
The Recruitment Period for this upcoming school year is now closed.
Project SEARCH York begins September 7, 2022
- Our Typical Day
Below is a sample of both the curriculum and internship schedules. Please note, each location will provide their own schedule, and that circumstances may change what each day looks like.
8:30 am – 9:30 am Training Room at Host Business Site: Employability Skills Class using Project SEARCH Curriculum
9:30 am -12:00 noon Work Experience: Work within the host site.
12:00 noon -12:30 pm Lunch: Interns are encouraged to eat with their co-workers at the work experience sites.
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Work Experience: Work within the host site.
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Training Room: Reflection on how the day went/Planning/ Journal writing.
- Work Oriented Learning Opportunities
A variety of learning opportunities across the host business will be provided. Three different internships will be offered to students in various departments to allow for skill building and career exploration.