Project SEARCH is a worksite-based school-to-work program that provides employment and education opportunities for students with disabilities transitioning from high school. The program benefits employers by increasing workforce diversity and reducing recruitment and training costs. Many employers experience improved job retention, enhanced community image and increased customer satisfaction.
Project SEARCH originated at the Cincinnati Children's Medical Center and in Indiana is administered by FSSA’s Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services under Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Each Project Search site partners with Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, a host business, the affiliated school district(s) and a community service provider.
Contact information:
Project Search Statewide Coordinator
Jonathan Kraeszig
Vocational Rehabilitation Director of Youth Services
Jonathan.Kraeszig@fssa.in.gov
317-417-4847
Current Project SEARCH sites in Indiana
- Community Hospital East, Indianapolis
Contact: Marjorie Duryea
Email: mduryea@eastersealscrossroads.org - Community Hospital North, Indianapolis
Contact: Marjorie Duryea
Email: mduryea@eastersealscrossroads.org - Deaconess Gateway Hospital, Newburgh
Contact: Tamarah Pate
Email: tamarah.pate@sirs.org - Memorial Hospital, South Bend
Primary contact: Galen Zeller
Email: zellerge@adecinc.com
Project Search sites currently on hiatus:
- Cook-Ivy Tech Young Adult Program, Bloomington
Contact: Breanne Siniard
Email: bsiniard@stonebelt.org - Gibson General Hospital, Princeton
Contact: Melissa Walden
Email: Melissa.Walden@arcswin.org - Indiana Government Center North and South and the Statehouse, Indianapolis
Contact: Patti Sebanc
Email: pssebanc@sycamoreservices.com