Project SEARCH
The Project SEARCH logo incorporates the vision of the program. The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Visit Project SEARCH site for further information on the international network of Project SEARCH program.
Project SEARCH is a one-year unpaid internship program for students with disabilities who have earned the Applied Studies Diploma and are between the ages of 18-21. The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job development. The goal for each program participant is competitive employment. To reach that goal, the program provides real-life unpaid work experience combined with training in employability and independent-living skills to help young people with significant disabilities make successful transitions to productive adult life. The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of skills training and career exploration, innovative adaptations, long-term job coaching, and continuous feedback from teachers, skills trainers, and employers.
To learn more about Project SEARCH, please visit Project SEARCH. Click “news” tab to learn how programs are being recognized nationwide. You will be amazed at what the interns are doing at other host business sites.
For more information about UVA Health Medical Center Project SEARCH in Prince William County Public Schools, contact:
- Ann Johnson with PWCS, Administrative Coordinator at [email protected]
- Teresa King with DARS at [email protected]
- Stacy Chapman with Didlake at [email protected]
For more information about Westminster at Lake Ridge Project SEARCH in Prince William County Public Schools, contact:
- Ann Johnson with PWCS, Administrative Coordinator at [email protected]
- Courtney Clark with DARS at [email protected]
- Stacy Chapman with Didlake at [email protected]
Project SEARCH Spotlight
Greeting patients, cooking up delicious meals, sorting linens, fixing lights - these are just some of the many hands-on experiences students in Project Search are adding to their resumes. Project Search is an award-winning international program hosted through Prince William County Public Schools that connects students with developmental disabilities with training opportunities for competitive, integrated employment. UVA Health Prince William Medical Center is a Project Search site, and participants partner with mentors and work within the hospital three hours per day, five days each week. While the program does not guarantee employment with UVA Health, many of its participants have been hired at the hospital and even serve as mentors for current program participants. Project Search also partners with Didlake and the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services to continue supporting students once they graduate.
Administrative Contacts
Ann Johnson, Supervisor
[email protected]
703-791-7876
Vacant, Administrative Coordinator
703-791-8804
Wendy Morris, Administrative Assistant II
[email protected]
703-791-7295
Project SEARCH Business Partners
Western Business Host Site: UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
UVA Health Prince William Medical Center is proud to serve the greater Prince William community and surrounding areas.
Visit the UVA Health website.
Address: 8700 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20110
Eastern Business Host Site: Westminster at Lake Ridge
Westminster at Lake Ridge, a senior living community, features 62+ acres along with unparalleled services and amenities, located in Northern Virginia.
Visit the Westminster Lake Ridge website.
Address: 12191 Clipper Dr, Lake Ridge, VA 22192