Project SEARCH

What is Project SEARCH at Essentia Health?

Project SEARCH is a nine-month high school transition program that provides training and education leading to employment for individuals with disabilities. It is a collaboration between interns, families and guardians, Essentia Health, Detroit  Lakes School District, Becker County and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Interns are immersed in the workplace and participate in three internships to explore career options while learning transferable job skills. The ultimate goal upon completion of the Project SEARCH program is competitive, integrated employment. 

Although Essentia Health is the host site, Project SEARCH belongs to and benefits our community. As a host site we look forward to developing the interns to become part of our community's  workforce.Tanner Goodrich, Senior Vice President, Essentia Health  

Entrance Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements for consideration:  

  • Between 18 and 21 years of age in the last year of transition eligibility  
  • Qualify for special education services
  • Must be able to pass drug screening and background check
  • Must be up-to-date on all required immunizations and vaccines of the  business site
  • Must follow the masking requirements, if applicable
  • Ability to take directions and change behaviors
  • Independent with self-cares  Have basic communication skills
  • Willing to access public transportation, if needed Applied/eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services and County Development Disabilities Services  Willing to make a commitment for competitive employment upon completion of the program. 

Internship Examples

Materials Management
  • Inventory stocking and restocking
  • Shipping and receiving  
Environmental Services
  • Clean and sanitize
  • Prepare areas for use
Maintenance and Facilities  
  • Opportunities in electrical, plumbing, HVAC installation, repair and troubleshooting.
  • Completion of minor repairs
  • Complete inspections and stocking supplies  
Business/Administrative Services  
  • File, type and organize  
  • Assemble materials and stock  supplies
  • Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable
Nutrition Services 
  • Assist in meal preparation  
  • Deliver and/or serve meals  
  • Clean and sanitize  
Healthcare specific  
  • Assist with patient care comfort  
  • Set up patient rooms,  other treatment rooms,  stock supplies needed

Benefits of the Project SEARCH Model:

Be Part of the Program

Interested in participating in a Project SEARCH program? There are many ways to get involved: enrolling a young adult, helping young people gain skills needed for employment or becoming a host business site. Contact a member of the collaboration team to learn more.

Project SEARCH Collaboration Team

Wendy Fritz, Detroit Lakes Schools
218.844.4760  
 
Rachelle Isaacson, Project SEARCH Instructor  
218.314.7600
 
Beth Hedstrom, Project SEARCH Skills Training Instructor 
 
Jackie Buboltz, Business Liaison
218.314.7704  
 
Maureen Lilleby, Vocational Rehabilitation
218.368.1341  
 
Jill Esser, Becker County
218.847.5628 

 

Five students sitting behind a Essentia Health table for their Project SEARCH signing.
Student holding up his acceptance certificate to Project SEARCH.
Student holding up his acceptance certificate to Project SEARCH.
Project SEARCH accepted students and the staff of Essentia Health gathered for a photo.
Student holding up her acceptance certificate to Project SEARCH.
Student holding up his acceptance certificate to Project SEARCH.
Student holding up her acceptance certificate to Project SEARCH.
Student talking with an instructor near a food prep station
Student next to a the Project SEARCH sign
Student next to a the Project SEARCH sign
Student and instructor working together.
Two people going over instructions
Two accessing instructors talking with a student.
One person giving instruction over a hospital bed.
student adjusting a hospital bed bars.
Student next to a the Project SEARCH sign
Students next to a the Project SEARCH sign
Two accessor at a table smiling for a photo
Student making a hospital bed.
Student next to a the Project SEARCH sign