Welcome to Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH, an international program with over 400 host sites, is designed to assist youth with disabilities reach their goals of community employment. This program serves as an opportunity for students to transition from high school to community employment by learning and working at host partner sites. SWWC has two partner host sites: Avera Marshall and Sanford Worthington.
Students work at the host sites Monday-Friday from 8:30am - 2:30pm during the school year. Students participate in three 10-week unpaid internships in different departments. A skills trainer/job coach, program instructor and department staff work with the students at each site (and IEP teams) to help them develop the necessary job and interpersonal skills to gain meaningful employment.
Eligibility Criteria/Application
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to participate in Project SEARCH, a student must meet all of the following criteria:
- Is 18-22 years old with current IEP
- Has met all other requirements for high school graduation, but does not have a signed diploma
- Has, at minimum, second grade math and reading skills
- Possesses basic communication skills
- Demonstrates good social skills and basic hygiene
- Demonstrates independent self-care skills
- Has updated immunizations
- Has passed drug screening and background checks
The student application is a fillable PDF. Be sure to save it to your computer before completing it. You can also print out the application and complete it.
Project SEARCH Administration
Handbooks
Links
Project SEARCH Calendar
May 2026
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Memorial Day - No School
Both Sites
Memorial Day - No School
Both Sites
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May
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Wednesday,
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End Evaluation Meeting
Both Sites
End Evaluation Meeting
Both Sites
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Last Day of Third Internship
Both Sites
Last Day of Third Internship
Both Sites
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Graduation
Both Sites
Graduation
Both Sites
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