Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH
North Florida School of Special Education partners with Project SEARCH, a dynamic evidence-based program model designed with an end goal of competitive employment. This program is offered to transition students based on an application process. 
NFSSE’s Project SEARCH site for 2023-2024 academic year is Medtronic, a local manufacturer of healthcare technology solutions for the most complex and challenging conditions facing our world. This worksite provides valuable vocational experiences for participants. Students will learn employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within Medtronic. Individualized job development and placement occur based on each person’s experiences, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided as necessary. Student interns work with a team that includes their family, an NFSSE instructor, a skills trainer and a local Vocational Rehabilitation Agency.
The program begins in August 2023 and will follows the 2023 – 2024 school year calendar. One of the greatest benefits of the ten-month program is a complete immersion into a business.
Benefits of the Project SEARCH Model for Students:
- Participate in a variety of internships within Medtronic host site
- Acquire competitive, transferable and marketable job skills
- Gain increased independence, confidence, and self-esteem
- Obtain work-based individualized coaching, instruction and feedback
- Develop linkages to Vocational Rehabilitation and other adult service agencies
Student Eligibility:
- Between the ages of 18 – 21
- Will not reach age 22 before the school year ends
- Have an active IEP
- Have a significant barrier to employment
- Qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation’s Supportive Employment program
If your student is interested in applying for Project SEARCH, please contact Ann Atkins for details at aatkins@northfloridaschool.org.