1. Project SEARCH: Leading the Way to Positive Secondary Transition Outcomes
Megan curry, M.ed
Project sEARCh Instructor
Embassy suites by hilton norman project search academy
OTI october 4, 2016

2. Project SEARCH™ Academy
Embassy Suites Norman
Project SEARCH™ Academy
Project SEARCH is a partnership between Norman Public Schools, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Oklahoma DRS, Dale Rogers Training Center, and National Center for Disability Education and Training.

3. PROJECT SEARCH™ GOAL: To achieve competitive employment for young adults with disabilities

4. National Project SEARCH™
Developed in 1996
Program model followed CCHMC healthcare diversity initiative
Partnered with Great Oaks Tech Center
for program participants
Currently over 280 sites
U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia & Ireland
Program model now being replicated in banking, manufacturing, hospitality, forestry, and university settings

5. Research Work Based Learning Promotes: Problem Solving Teamwork
Social Skill Development
Adult Thinking Processes

6. Research Real-life work experiences are important:
Most individuals begin working before they turn 21
Leaves schools with narrow window to focus on vocational training
Individuals with ID should hold first job before turning 18
(SIPERSTEIN ET AL., 2014)

7. Research Project SEARCH:
A current best practice in the field of transition (Mueller & VanGilder, 2014)
Combines training in employment and independent living skills, real-life work experience, and assistance in placement upon completion (Rutkowski, Daston, Van Kuiken, & Riehle, 2006)
Allows for context-based learning in all skill areas
Includes active involvement by the site employers

8. Key Concepts of Project SEARCH™
Not the “Easiest” Jobs,
But “Complex and Systematic” Jobs

9. Task Analysis

10. Task Analysis Used to teach job tasks
Internships broken into systematic steps
Used to assess interns weekly

11. EXPECTATIONS PM employability classroom instruction
Nine-month non-paid internship: follows school calendar
Participate in (3) 10-week career exploration experiences host business
Total immersion in the workplace
360-Evaluation and feedback of job skill acquisition
PM employability classroom instruction
Receive on-site and individualized instruction and support by program instructor, job coaches and business mentor
Career Path Discovery

12. CLASSROOM TRAINING Students are instructed on topics such as:
Team Building
Navigating your Workplace and Workplace Safety
Technology
Social Skills and Communication
Presentation and Interviewing Skills
Money Management
Health and Wellness
Resume Development
Personal Document Management
Job Search Skills
Maintaining a Job
Community Service
Intern placing napkin in coffee cup

13. DAILY SCHEDULE 7:50 a.m. Attendance – Student Check-in
8:15 - 1:30 p.m. Internship Work Experience
Students typically have 30 minutes for lunch and follow the lunch schedule of the department in which they are interning.
1:30 - 1:45 p.m. Transition from internship site to classroom
1:45 - 2:50 p.m. Classroom Training
Lessons are based on independent living/employability skills and follows the approved High School and Project SEARCH™ standards.

14. ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
Desire and ability to work independently and become employed!
Between 18 and 22 years old
High School Senior; lacking Senior English & Elective Credits
Ability to communicate effectively
Meet eligibility requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation and school partner
Ability to take direction
Willingness to change behavior
Obtain Food Handler’s Permit
Have transportation or be willing to work toward independent transportation
Not college bound
Willing to participate in a non-paid internship program

15. SELECTION PROCESS Candidates submit a completed application.
Candidates must be eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services through DRS.
Candidates must be willing and able to work independently in the community upon completion of the program.
Applications are reviewed for completion, relevance, and eligibility.
Candidates are interviewed by a panel of partners
Parents are interviewed by panel of partners
Students are given a skills assessment

16. Student Role in Internships
Identify areas of interest
Come ready to work each day
Send letter and resume/data sheet to department
Interview for rotation position
Department notifies student
Absent: notify teacher/department
Give rotation a two weeks notice
Participate in exit interview
Write thank you letters
Update portfolio/resume
Review 360 evaluation

17. ROLE OF FAMILY Support the student in their career goals
Reinforce job readiness and independent living skills
Collaboratively participate in the “Employment Planning and Progress” meetings
Actively participate in job search
Assist in identifying independent transportation options to future competitive job

18. The Role of the Partners
Provide instruction related to employability skills
Provide on-site, job embedded coaching
Provide mentoring and opportunities for professional social interaction
Provide “real-life” work experience
Provide connection to post-secondary resources
Assist student to meet Embassy Suites Norman production and quality standards
Intern holding new trashbag in employee elevator, next to large trash can

19. Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Rotation Options:
Banquet Services
Food & Beverage (Restaurant) Services
Housekeeping and Laundry Services
Culinary and Steward Services
Engineering HR
Lobby Ambassador

20. Panel Discussion Introductions:
Marcie Stickney – Transition Specialist, Norman Public Schools
Jeane Smith – Director of HR, Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman
Lisa Ryan – Job Coach, Project SEARCH, Embassy Suites/Norman Public Schools
RJ Rains – Current Project SEARCH Intern
Malik Wanna-Lawrence – Current Project SEARCH Intern

21. Question #1
What was the biggest challenge in implementing/beginning Project SEARCH?

22. Question #2
What impact have you seen Project SEARCH make on the interns?

23. Question #3
(Marcie, Malik) – What is the biggest difference you have found between a vocational training program in the school and Project SEARCH?

24. Question #4
What impact have you seen Project SEARCH make on the Embassy Suites by Hilton?

25. Question #5
What has been your greatest joy about being involved with Project SEARCH?

26. Question and answers

27. Thank you! For more information on program replication please contact:
Judi Goldston
Statewide Project SEARCH Coordinator
University of Oklahoma
National Center for Disability Education and Training
Kim Osmani
DRS Transition Coordinator
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services