Project SEARCH

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About Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is one of the Transition Services offered through Olympia School District. Project SEARCH’s main objective is to provide the skills necessary to secure employment for people with cognitive or developmental disabilities. Skills are developed through classroom instruction, career exploration, on the job training and through 3 different 10-week long unpaid internships on campus.

Our program is located on the The Evergreen State College campus and is a partnership between: The Evergreen State College, Olympia School District, Morningside and The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Our goal is for 100% of our students to be employed by the completion of Project SEARCH. Project SEARCH at The Evergreen State College has received exceptional employment outcome awards since 2021 by reaching 90% or higher employment outcomes for the graduating students.

 

 

Eligibility:

 

  • Students are eligible for special education with goals related to adaptive/social emotional/vocational

  • Students are 18-22 years of age

  • Students have earned all graduation credits and completed all graduation requirements

  • Students must be eligible for DVR (Department of Vocational Rehabilitation)

 

Prerequisite Skills:

 

  • Students must have excellent attendance

  • Students must demonstrate moderate to high levels of independence and safety

  • Students must be able to follow directions and accept feedback

  • Students must be able to travel independently to the program (Intercity Transit, driving, Dial-a-Lift, parent pick up)

  • Students must have a desire and commitment to gain employment

  • Students must be able to communicate their needs, desires and preferences

 

Application Process:

 

  • Project SEARCH Staff will engage in outreach to OSD high school students

  • Project SEARCH will host an Informational Night in February at The Evergreen State College

  • Applications will be due late February

  • Interviews (student completes independently) with selection committee will happen in March

  • Decisions will be made by April

  • Students may apply up to 2 years early

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

What is the daily schedule?
Students are on campus from 8:15 a.m. -2 p.m. on Monday-Thursday and 8:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. on Fridays. Internship hours are from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m Monday-Thursday with a 30 minute lunch break. Fridays are spent in the community touring local businesses and working on employability and transportation skills.
How many internships do students complete?
Students complete three 10 week long unpaid internships on The Evergreen State College campus.
What type of internships are offered?
We have a variety of unpaid internships and are continuously building new sites.  Examples include: The Greenery (food service), The Drop (espresso/drinks/fast food), The Organic Farm, Daniel J. Evans Library, The Greener Bookstore, The Evergreen Children’s Center, Building Services (custodial), WA Center for Public Service (office work) and Grounds and Motor (landscaping and building maintenance).
What type of support do students receive?
Students spend the first few weeks of the school year focusing on understanding expectations, completing employment activities and training, team-building, assessing individual needs and skills and familiarizing themselves with the campus. Once students begin their internships, a skills trainer will assist the student with 1:1 support until they are able to fade out and the student can rely on the natural supports at the internship site. Students also participate in daily employability lessons each morning. Project SEARCH staff work with students and internship sites to help each student reach independence and develop individualized systems, accommodations and supports as needed.
How many students are in a cohort?
We accept up to ten students per school year.