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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOver the past year, the class of students from Polk County Public Schools has intensively worked with their teachers, job coaches, and mentors on developing marketable and transferable job skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Project SEARCH program at Lakeland Regional Health works with students with disabilities, ages 18 to 22, to help prepare them for highly skilled, complex jobs in a variety of industries. 100% of this year\u2019s Project SEARCH participants have already secured employment and are looking forward to starting their jobs after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project SEARCH provides support and training that continues after graduation. Students continue to receive job coaching and support from the Center for Independent Living and Vocational Rehabilitation trainers while working and earning income. Additionally, any students not hired by graduation continue to receive job placement assistance and other support services leading to paid employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a 2024 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023 the unemployment rate for persons with a disability was about twice as high at 7.2% as the rate for persons without a disability, at 3.5%. Project SEARCH offers students with disabilities a way to close the gap through on-the-job skills training in complex, in-demand jobs; increasing their ability to find and maintain successful competitive employment. This collaboration between Lakeland Regional Health, Polk County Public Schools, the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc., Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council provides an evidence-based program for transitioning students with disabilities from school to work.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nProject SEARCH at Lakeland Regional Health shapes a brighter future for participants with disabilities while inspiring other businesses to get involved in this successful model, boasting a higher placement rate than the national average for Project SEARCH programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About Project SEARCH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Project SEARCH, based at Cincinnati Children\u2019s Hospital Medical Center, is a business-led, one-year work-preparation program for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most participants are enrolled while transitioning from high school to work. The hallmark of Project SEARCH is total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training. Project SEARCH’s primary objective is to secure competitive employment for every program participant. There are 600 Project SEARCH sites in 48 states and 10 countries. For more information, visit www.projectsearch.us<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n About Partners involved in Project SEARCH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc. \u2013 provides long-term retention and follow along for eligible individuals who receive a competitive job at the host business or in the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n