Job placement rate high for Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH graduate Sofie Wigton - who says she loves her job - has become an invaluable team member at The Locker Room in Post Falls.

by Keith Erickson Coeur Voice Writer
| November 6, 2019 12:00 AM

What is it? Project SEARCH was first developed in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to provide employment and education opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities.

In 2010, the program was replicated in Idaho through collaboration between Kootenai Health, the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Coeur d’Alene School District and TESH - a local nonprofit which helps people with disabilities lead more independent lives.

Coeur d’Alene is the only city in Idaho that offers the program, said TESH chief executive officer Frances Huffman.

Is it successful? Locally, 67 high school seniors have completed the program since it was introduced in Coeur d’Alene. Ten students are currently enrolled.

Last year’s job placement rate was 80 percent, said Theresa Moran, Project SEARCH instructor. Nationwide, more than 25,000 disabled young people have found employment opportunities through the program.

Who qualifies? Project SEARCH is for graduated high school seniors to transition from school to work. The ultimate goal is for participants to be employed within one year of graduating.

“It’s just amazing how far it’s come over the years.” Moran said. “It’s a great partnership with local businesses. To see these businesses are really stepping up and looking to hire people with disabilities and recognize what an asset they can be to their companies is just wonderful.”

“It gives students an opportunity to talk about what they’ve learned so far and to recognize the staff that has helped along the way,” Moran said.

It’s also a great opportunity for prospective employers to check out potential new employees, she added.

For information about Project SEARCH call (208) 625-5799.