An international program that helps students who require additional support prepare for the world of work is in its fourth 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 current group of Project SEARCH HSN participants during a signing ceremony at Health Sciences North on September 24, 2025.
Certificates of Internship were presented to the fourth group of Project SEARCH HSN participants during a signing ceremony at Health Sciences North on September 24, 2025. Participating were, back row, from left, Lexi Asunmaa, teacher for Rainbow District School Board; student Landyn Lloyd-Bourgouin; Jennifer Way, Program Manager for March of Dimes Canada; students Breana Thompson, Kai Niemi and Zackary Tammi-LeDrew; Jessica Diplock, Vice-President, People and Culture for Health Sciences North; and Councillor Mark Signoretti of the City of Greater Sudbury; and front row, from left, Bella Moulton and Jazmine Foreshew, Job Skills Trainers for March of Dimes Canada; students Zachary Puiras, Abigail Mese, Kailey Appleby; and Danielle Williamson, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services for Rainbow District School Board.
A transition-to-work program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, Project SEARCH helps students in their final year of high school develop skills required for employment.
Zachary Puiras of Confederation Secondary School, who is part of the newest cohort of interns, first heard about Project SEARCH through a school resource teacher. "I attended a shadow day in February and knew right away that I wanted to be part of the program," he said. "Project SEARCH will help me gain employability skills and hopefully find a job."
Zachary Puiras of Confederation Secondary School is one of seven students from Rainbow Schools participating in Project SEARCH HSN for 2025-2026.
Breana Thompson of Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School is excited to get started. "I enjoy being here and I am getting to know new people," she said. "I hope to one day become a nurse because I love being supportive and helping others."
Breana Thompson of Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School is excited to gain hands-on working experience through the Project SEARCH HSN program.
This year, seven 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 experienced staff including a teacher from Rainbow District School Board and two job trainers from March of Dimes Canada.
"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 at Health Sciences North. "Thanks to this partnership, we've had Project SEARCH interns contribute across many areas of our hospital. Our teams have shared how privileged they feel to be involved in this project and to support interns in gaining valuable hands-on work experience and confidence."
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, including two in Sudbury.
"On behalf of the Rainbow District School Board, I extend sincere gratitude to March of Dimes Canada, Health Sciences North and the City of Greater Sudbury for supporting this important learning and working opportunity for students in Rainbow Schools," said Director of Education Bruce Bourget. "The program has experienced tremendous success since its inception, and many students have secured employment because of the skills learned, the connections built, and the confidence gained."
He added: "Project SEARCH speaks to the board's mission: Together, we prepare students to become lifelong learners, achieving their full potential as confident, caring members of society.'"
