Project SEARCH
This internationally acclaimed, unique school-to-work program allows students with autism and related disabilities entering their final year of entitlement – typically turning 21 – to attend a full-day, 10-month program onsite at Jefferson Hospital in Cherry Hill or Stratford.
Project SEARCH interns participate in work rotations, learn transferable skills, and acquire hands-on knowledge.
This Project SEARCH program has been recognized internationally for exemplary employment outcomes since its launch in 2016, including 100% employment outcomes in 2020. Y.A.L.E. School is joined by Jefferson Health, NJ DVRS, NJ DDD, and Samost Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey (JFCS) in a collaborative partnership that makes such extraordinary outcomes possible.
As an integral partner in the success of the program, Jefferson currently sponsors over twelve Project SEARCH interns, including students who have been attending Y.A.L.E. School and new students referred to the program by surrounding school districts specifically for the Project SEARCH opportunity.
| Transition Option | Ages Served | Level of Student Independence | Locations | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project SEARCH | 20-21 final year of public education | High | Jefferson Hospital - Cherry Hill Jefferson Hospital - Stratford | To obtain competitive employment with supports lessening over time |
Project SEARCH at Jefferson Stratford Hospital was recognized with a “100% Employment Outcome” award and Project SEARCH at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital was recognized with an “Excellent Outcome” award” from Project SEARCH at the 16th annual Project SEARCH Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 7/11/2023.
Interns at Jefferson train in a variety of departments, including Health Information Management, Patient Transport, Pharmacy, Storeroom, Food Service, Facilities, and Environmental Services.
Jefferson has hired several interns upon completion of their Project SEARCH internships including in Patient Transport, HIM, Food Service, the Storeroom, and EVS.
Project SEARCH at Jefferson Health partners include Jefferson, the Y.A.L.E. School, the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Samost Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Southern New Jersey.
Pictured:
Helen Liu, Assistant Director, Statewide DVRS; Erin Riehle, Project SEARCH Founder and Co-Director; Darlene Anderson, Project SEARCH at Jefferson Health Coordinator; Beth Kaplan, Project SEARCH – Y.A.L.E. Teacher; Solo Okonkwo, NJ DVRS Project SEARCH Liaison; Coordinator; Susie Rutkowski, Project SEARCH Co-Founder and Education Specialist.
For more information, email kslater@yaleschoolnj.com or watch a previous information session here:
- Project SEARCH Meet and Greet Flyer 2023
- Presentation slides Project SEARCH 2022
- Project SEARCH brochure
- Project SEARCH Info Sessions Recorded Events Passcode: 8NohU=2D
Project SEARCH Application & Guidelines
• Project SEARCH Application 2023-2024
• Project SEARCH Guidelines 2023-2024
Newsletters
2022 – 2023
- Project SEARCH at Jefferson Health Fall 2022 Newsletter
- Project SEARCH at Jefferson Health Winter 2023 Newsletter
2021 – 2022
- Project SEARCH at Jefferson Health Summer 2022 Newsletter
- Project SEARCH at Jefferson Health Winter 2022 Newsletter
- Project SEARCH at Jefferson Health 2021 Fall Newsletter
- Project SEARCH at Jefferson Health 2021 Winter Newsletter
2020 – 2021
Our Partners Shape Successful Outcomes:
