An international program that helps students who require additional support prepare for the world of work is in its third year in Greater Sudbury thanks to an ongoing partnership between Rainbow District School Board, Health Sciences North, the City of Greater Sudbury and March of Dimes Canada.
Certificates of Internship were presented to the third group of Project SEARCH HSN participants during a signing ceremony at Health Sciences North on September 23, 2024.
A transition-to-work program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, the program helps students in their final year of high school develop skills required for employment.
Project SEARCH HSN has experienced tremendous success since its inception.
Devan Boucher, an alumni of the inaugural group of interns, has been working full-time at HSN for a year and a half. In speaking about his experience with Project SEARCH, he explained he felt like part of the team. "I was more social, that was the best part," said Devan. "Not only that, I met new people - pretty good people. Everyone was pretty cool."
Anthony Roberge of Lively District Secondary School is one of 10 students from Rainbow Schools participating in Project SEARCH HSN for 2024-2025.
Anthony Roberge of Lively District Secondary School, who is part of the newest cohort of interns, was thrilled at the prospect of future employment. "I saw the opportunity to get my first job and I wanted to learn more about how jobs work," he said. "I am excited to learn new things and discover new opportunities."
As in previous years, ten students from Rainbow Schools will engage in three internships in various departments at Health Sciences North. Placements are eight to ten weeks long and are determined by student interest and skill level. Internships are guided by skilled, experienced staff including a teacher from Rainbow District School Board and two job trainers from March of Dimes Canada.
Participating were, back row, from left, Lexi Asunmaa, teacher for Rainbow District School Board; Emma-Rose Larcher, Job Skills Trainer for March of Dimes Canada; students Benjamin Yung, Carter Vezina, Trevor McDavid, Paige Cleaver, and Kaelynn Johnson; and front row, from left, Jazmine Foreshew, Job Skills Trainer for March of Dimes Canada; students Shelby Munroe, Anthony Roberge, Satyra Sanders, Patrick Michel, Gabriel Lapointe; Jennifer Way, Program Manager for March of Dimes Canada; and Jessica Diplock, Vice-President, People and Culture for Health Sciences North.
"HSN is so proud to be part of Project SEARCH as we challenge outdated barriers and focus on building a more inclusive society," said Jessica Diplock, Vice-President, People and Culture for Health Sciences North. "Thanks to this partnership, we've had Project SEARCH interns across our hospital in many different departments. The feedback from our teams is that they feel privileged to be involved in this project. Our teams are getting a lot out of it while helping interns gain valuable experience and confidence for future opportunities."
"We're thrilled to partner with Rainbow District School Board and Sudbury's Health Sciences North to offer these young students from Sudbury the kind of on-the-job training and experience they need to build rewarding and successful careers," said Len Baker, President and CEO of March of Dimes Canada. "Today, we embrace the joy of what's possible. When partners come together to adapt programming to student needs, we all succeed."
Project SEARCH was launched in 1996 at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in an effort to promote a vibrant, inclusive workforce. To date, there are more than 600 Project SEARCH sites worldwide.
"On behalf of the Rainbow District School Board, I would like to thank March of Dimes Canada, Health Sciences North and the City of Greater Sudbury for supporting this important opportunity for students in Rainbow Schools," said Director of Education Bruce Bourget. "Students are making the most of it, and many have secured employment because of the skills learned, the relationships built, and the confidence gained."
He added: "Students feel valued and appreciated and enjoy contributing in a meaningful way. Project SEARCH speaks to our mission: Together, we prepare students to become lifelong learners, achieving their full potential as confident, caring members of society.'"
