Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is an innovative, business-led, school to work transition program for young adults with disabilities. Project SEARCH began in 1996 at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. There are over 500 Project SEARCH sites throughout the United States and internationally.

Goodwill partners with the Milwaukee County Zoo and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport along with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Department of Health Services (DHS), CESA #1 and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to offer unique training rotations for individuals in the Greater Milwaukee area.

Project SEARCH benefits young adults through:

Career exploration, training and internship experience
Experience in community organization and workplace culture
Development of job skills and independence
Work-based learning that promotes
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Social relationships

The goal for individuals in Project SEARCH is to develop job and social skills through on-site internship experiences that lead to competitive employment in the community. In the state of Wisconsin, 88% of individuals who complete Project SEARCH have achieved employment.

Building Independence: Project SEARCH Overview