Welcome to Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH, an international program with over 400 host sites, is designed to assist youth with disabilities reach their goals of community employment. This program serves as an opportunity for students to transition from high school to community employment by learning and working at host partner sites. SWWC has two partner host sites: Avera Marshall and Sanford Worthington.

Students work at the host sites Monday-Friday from 8:30am - 2:30pm during the school year. Students participate in three 10-week unpaid internships in different departments. A skills trainer/job coach, program instructor and department staff work with the students (and IEP teams) to help them develop the necessary job and interpersonal skills to gain meaningful employment.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to participate in Project SEARCH, a student must meet all of the following criteria:

Is 18-22 years old with current IEP

Has met all other requirements for high school graduation, but does not have a signed diploma

Has, at minimum, second grade math and reading skills

Possesses basic communication skills

Demonstrates good social skills and basic hygiene

Demonstrates independent self-care skills

Has updated immunizations

Has passed drug screening and background checks

Student Application for 2025-26

The student application is a fillable PDF. Be sure to save it to your computer before completing it. You can also print out the application and complete it.