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Written by: Content & GEO Research

Fastlook Team

Posted: 8 min read

Project SEARCH, founded in 1996 at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, has served over 55,000 interns across 800+ sites globally. The program achieves a 67% competitive employment rate by immersing students in real workplace settings for an entire school year, with rotating internships and on-site job coaching, a model that fundamentally differs from traditional special education transition programs.

Quick answer

According to [Project SEARCH](https://www. projectsearch. us/), 67% of graduates achieve competitive employment.
Topic
project search
Last updated
Sep 21, 2026
Read time
8 min
Project Search — brand illustration

What is Project SEARCH and why does it work differently?

Project SEARCH is a business-led school-to-work transition program designed for young adults with developmental disabilities acquired before age 22. Unlike classroom-based transition models, Project SEARCH requires total workplace immersion. Students spend a minimum of six hours per day on site at a business partner for an entire academic year (9-12 months), according to South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation. The program operates at 800+ sites across the United States and the United Kingdom, serving approximately 4,800 new interns annually. For instance, students at Children's Hospital Colorado complete 3-4 rotating internships during the year-long program. Each rotation includes dedicated job coaching and classroom instruction delivered on-site. However, the business-led partnership structure sets Project SEARCH apart. Employers actively participate without subsidies, creating accountability and real labor-market alignment that traditional programs lack.

This immersion model has produced measurable outcomes:

  • 67% of graduates achieve competitive employment
  • At Children's Hospital Colorado, 83% found jobs within 6 months of graduation
  • 44% of employed graduates were hired directly by their internship host

These results demonstrate how intensive, long-term workplace immersion drives employment success.

How it works: landing page
  1. 1
    What is Project SEARCH and why does it work differently?
  2. 2
    At a glance
  3. 3
    How does Project SEARCH structure its operational partnerships?
  4. 4
    What disabilities and age groups does Project SEARCH serve?
  5. 5
    What is competitive employment in Project SEARCH, and what support follows graduation?
  6. 6
    Where are Project SEARCH programs located and how do you find one?

At a glance

| Aspect | Summary | |---|---| | What is Project SEARCH and why does it work differently? | Project SEARCH is a business led school to work transition program designed for young adults with… | | How does Project SEARCH structure its operational partnerships? | Project SEARCH operates through a multi stakeholder partnership model. | | What disabilities and age groups does Project SEARCH serve? | Project SEARCH serves young adults with developmental disabilities acquired before age 22, according to… | | What is competitive employment in Project SEARCH, and what support follows graduation? | Competitive employment in Project SEARCH means work in an integrated setting alongside coworkers with and… | | Where are Project SEARCH programs located and how do you find one? | Project SEARCH operates at 800+ sites across the United States and the United Kingdom, according to… |

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project search — by the numbers

1996
Project SEARCH was founded in at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical…
55,000
Project SEARCH has served + interns since inception
4,800
Project SEARCH serves approximately new interns annually
800
Project SEARCH operates at + sites across the globe

How does Project SEARCH structure its operational partnerships?

Project SEARCH operates through a multi-stakeholder partnership model. According to South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation, core partners include businesses, schools, vocational rehabilitation agencies, community rehabilitation providers, families, and the Social Security Administration. Each student works with an on-site job coach providing real-time feedback. A teacher delivers classroom instruction aligned with workplace competencies at the business site. For instance, vocational rehabilitation counselors coordinate post-graduation employment services and follow-along support ensuring job retention.

Each partner contributes specific expertise:

  • Businesses provide internship sites and authentic work tasks
  • Schools deliver curriculum aligned with workplace competencies
  • Vocational rehabilitation agencies fund services and determine eligibility
  • Community providers offer job coaching and real-time skill development

Business partners commit to providing authentic work tasks, integration with existing employees, and meaningful feedback. This operational clarity differentiates Project SEARCH from programs where roles overlap or accountability remains unclear.

Project Search — pros and considerations

Pros
  • +Directly improves outcomes tied to project search when implemented with clear goals
  • +Scales with your team — start small, expand as you see results
  • +Fastlook's structured approach reduces the typical trial-and-error period
  • +Measurable ROI: set baseline metrics upfront and track progress every cycle
  • +Builds internal capability so your team doesn't depend on external help indefinitely
Considerations
  • −Requires an upfront time investment to set goals and baseline metrics
  • −Results compound over time — teams expecting overnight changes will be disappointed
  • −project search done well needs cross-functional buy-in, not just one champion
  • −Ongoing iteration is essential; a "set and forget" approach loses ground quickly

What disabilities and age groups does Project SEARCH serve?

Project SEARCH serves young adults with developmental disabilities acquired before age 22, according to South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation. Eligible disabilities include intellectual disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, orthopedic impairment, and autism spectrum disorder. Students typically range from ages 18–22 and are enrolled in secondary special education. State vocational rehabilitation agencies determine eligibility in partnership with school districts. However, Project SEARCH does not serve students with solely behavioral or emotional disabilities unless accompanied by a qualifying developmental disability. For instance, a student with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability would qualify, while a student with only an emotional disturbance would not.

Project SEARCH prioritizes students with significant support needs:

  • Young adults facing barriers to traditional competitive employment
  • Individuals requiring intensive, long-term workplace immersion
  • Students who benefit most from on-site job coaching

This targeted approach ensures resources reach the population most likely to achieve sustainable employment outcomes.

How to get started with project search

  1. Research Project Search
    Define your goal and audit your current position. Knowing where you stand with project search is the fastest way to identify the highest-impact next step.
  2. Build your strategy
    Map a clear, prioritised plan for project search. Focus on the actions that move the needle in the first 30 days before adding complexity.
  3. Implement with Fastlook
    Fastlook guides you through implementation so you avoid the most common pitfalls and reach measurable results faster.
  4. Monitor results
    Track the metrics that matter: traction, quality, and ROI. Review weekly in the early stages and monthly once you reach steady state.
  5. Iterate and improve
    Use what you learn to sharpen your project search approach every cycle. Continuous improvement compounds into a lasting competitive edge.

What is competitive employment in Project SEARCH, and what support follows graduation?

Competitive employment in Project SEARCH means work in an integrated setting alongside coworkers with and without disabilities, year-round (not seasonal), minimum 16 hours per week, at minimum wage or higher, according to South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation. Since the program's founding in 1996 at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, this definition has remained central to measuring success. Post-graduation support is critical: Project SEARCH graduates receive follow-along services designed to help them maintain employment and navigate workplace challenges. For instance, follow-along services may include ongoing job coaching, employer consultation, benefits planning, and crisis support. The intensity and duration of follow-along vary by state and individual need but typically extend 6–12 months post-placement.

Follow-along services support employment retention through:

  • Ongoing job coaching and skill reinforcement
  • Employer consultation and workplace problem-solving
  • Benefits planning and Social Security Administration coordination
  • Crisis support during workplace transitions

At Children's Hospital Colorado, 83% of graduates found employment within six months of graduation. This dual focus—rigorous outcome definition plus sustained post-placement support—distinguishes Project SEARCH outcomes from programs measuring placement only at graduation.

Where are Project SEARCH programs located and how do you find one?

Project SEARCH operates at 800+ sites across the United States and the United Kingdom, according to Project SEARCH's official website. Programs are typically hosted at large employers such as hospitals, corporations, government agencies, and retail chains. Each program is coordinated through state vocational rehabilitation agencies and school districts. To locate a program, start with your state's vocational rehabilitation agency, which maintains a list of active Project SEARCH sites and eligibility criteria. School transition teams can also identify local programs during IEP (Individualized Education Program) planning meetings. For instance, the official Project SEARCH website provides a searchable directory of sites by state and host employer, making it easy to find nearby opportunities.

Program enrollment and location information:

  • Enrollment typically occurs in spring for fall program start
  • Application deadlines are set by individual sites
  • Eligibility determination involves both school district and vocational rehabilitation assessment
  • Program capacity varies; some sites serve 8-12 students annually, while larger hosts may accommodate 20+

Families should contact their local vocational rehabilitation office or school transition coordinator to learn about available sites, application timelines, and funding. Early inquiry (12-18 months before transition) increases placement likelihood significantly.

Frequently asked questions

What is the employment success rate for Project SEARCH graduates?

According to [Project SEARCH](https://www.projectsearch.us/), 67% of graduates achieve competitive employment. At Children's Hospital Colorado specifically, 83% found employment within 6 months of graduation, with 44% hired directly by their internship host employer. These rates substantially exceed traditional special education transition outcomes, which typically range 30-50% for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

How long does Project SEARCH last and what is the daily time commitment?

Project SEARCH lasts one school year, typically 9–12 months in duration. According to South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation, students must be on site at the business each school day for a minimum of six hours for the entire academic year. This full-time immersion is a core program requirement. For instance, a student beginning in September would remain on-site through the following May or June, maintaining consistent daily presence. This requirement differentiates Project SEARCH from part-time or classroom-based transition models.

What disabilities qualify for Project SEARCH eligibility?

Project SEARCH serves young adults with developmental disabilities acquired before age 22, according to South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation. Since the program's founding in 1996, eligible disabilities have included intellectual disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, orthopedic impairment, and autism spectrum disorder. Eligibility is determined by state vocational rehabilitation agencies in partnership with school districts; specific criteria vary by state. For instance, a student with autism spectrum disorder would qualify if the condition was acquired before age 22 and meets state vocational rehabilitation eligibility requirements. However, students with solely behavioral or emotional disabilities do not qualify unless accompanied by a qualifying developmental disability.

How many internships do students complete during Project SEARCH?

According to Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, students typically complete 3-4 rotating internships during the year-long program. Each rotation exposes students to different job roles, industries, and workplace cultures, building adaptability and broadening employment options post-graduation. For instance, a student might rotate through a hospital administrative role, a retail customer service position, and a corporate office support function. This variety helps students discover their strengths and preferences while developing transferable workplace skills.

What is the application process for Project SEARCH?

Application to Project SEARCH begins through your school's transition team and state vocational rehabilitation agency. Families should contact their local vocational rehabilitation office to identify available sites, confirm eligibility, and submit applications. Most programs have spring application deadlines for fall enrollment. For instance, a student's transition team would work with the state vocational rehabilitation agency to complete eligibility assessments and match the student to an appropriate Project SEARCH site. Early inquiry (12–18 months before transition) improves placement chances significantly.

Does Project SEARCH provide job coaching and ongoing support?

Yes. According to South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation, each student works with an on-site job coach during the internship and receives follow-along employment services after graduation to support job retention. Follow-along typically lasts 6–12 months and includes ongoing coaching, employer consultation, and crisis support. For instance, a graduate may receive job coaching to address workplace challenges or benefits planning to navigate Social Security Administration coordination during the first year after placement.

What is competitive employment as defined by Project SEARCH?

Competitive employment in Project SEARCH means work in an integrated setting alongside coworkers with and without disabilities, year-round (not seasonal), minimum 16 hours per week, at minimum wage or higher, according to South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation. Since the program's founding in 1996, this definition has ensured that employment outcomes represent genuine labor-market participation. For instance, a graduate working 20 hours per week at $15 per hour in a retail store alongside employees without disabilities would meet the competitive employment definition. However, work in sheltered workshops, day programs, or at sub-minimum wages does not qualify. This rigorous definition distinguishes Project SEARCH outcomes from programs using looser employment metrics.

How many Project SEARCH sites exist and where are they located?

According to [Project SEARCH](https://www.projectsearch.us/), the program operates at 800+ sites across the United States and the United Kingdom, serving approximately 4,800 new interns annually. Programs are typically hosted at large employers and coordinated through state vocational rehabilitation agencies. A searchable directory by state is available on the official Project SEARCH website.

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