The PET Project (Philanthropy, Empowerment and Transformation) through Greater Salina Community Foundation granted the Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (CKCIE) $5000 for a new program, Project SEARCH. The program will begin during the 2011-2012 school year.

“In the past, students (interns) were dropped into job sites – whatever was available,” said Rhonda Bird, Project SEARCH Team Leader, CKCIE. “As a result the employment rates for developmentally disabled were poor. With Project SEARCH the interns will have an authentic workforce experience with all the supports in place to ensure success.”

Grant funds
The Project SEARCH classroom component requires computers for the interns and the PET Project Grant will help fund the needed technology. Project SEARCH at Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) connects young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with innovative workforce and career development. In partnership with SRHC, the high school interns will transition into the workforce through total immersion at SRHC. Interns report to SRHC daily, learn employability skills in the classroom and participate in three internships in the hospital environment during the year.

Partnerships
Project SEARCH at Salina Regional Health Center is based on a partnership that includes SRHC, CKCIE, Kansas Rehabilitation Services and OCCK, Inc. Salina Regional Health Center provides a training classroom, a business liaison and rotational internships for on the job training. An instructor and job coaches are provided by CKCIE. Kansas Rehabilitation Services and OCCK will supply job trainers to work with interns at their final job

Follow-along services will be provided by OCCK to any eligible intern who is hired.