Participants in the inaugural Project SEARCH HSN employment preparation and career training program were honoured at Health Sciences North on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Students received Certificates of Completion on behalf of Rainbow District School Board, Health Sciences North and the March of Dimes Canada.
Project SEARCH HSN is a transition-to-work program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. Students in their final year of high school develop skills required for entry-level employment.
In its first year locally, ten students from Rainbow Schools engaged in three internships in various departments at Health Sciences North. The placements, which were eight to ten weeks in duration, were determined by student interest and skill level. Internships were guided by skilled, experienced staff including a teacher from Rainbow District School Board and two Skills Trainers from March of Dimes Canada.
Most of the students in Project SEARCH HSN have already secured employment at the hospital or in other sectors of the community.
"Everyone at HSN and HSNRI is very proud of our first group of Project Search graduates. Project SEARCH is an initiative that challenges outdated barriers and aims to help create a more inclusive society and we are proud to be part of this partnership," said Mark Hartman, Interim CEO for Health Sciences North. "We hope their experiences this year at HSN helped them develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the workplace and build bright futures for themselves."
"The school-to-work transition is a pivotal period when a student leaves education for the labor market and is a vital process in a young person's life," said Lesley Smith, Vice President of Employment Services for March of Dimes Canada. "As youth and young adults seek out their aspirations and economic independence, this crucial transition time can be extremely challenging, especially for youth/young adults with disabilities."
She added: "Project Search bridges the school-to-work transition for youth and young adults with disabilities by providing a supported pathway to the workforce, ensuring individuals of all abilities have the financial means to avoid or escape poverty and live well with disability. March of Dimes Canada is extremely proud to be part of the Project Search program and congratulates all the interns on completing the program."
"I would like to commend everyone who worked diligently to launch this program locally and congratulate the first group of participating students for making us so proud," said Bruce Bourget, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. "Students worked hard, and, in the process, developed skills for success in the workplace. The fact that many students have already secured employment speaks highly of the program, the participants and the placements."
He added: "On behalf of Rainbow District School Board, I would like to thank everyone who mentored students during the in-class component and the hands-on training at Health Sciences North. Project SEARCH HSN is a shining example of how partnerships benefit students."
"For most of us, our job is the core building block of a fruitful life," said Erin Riehle, Director of Project SEARCH Cincinnati. "Employment leads to friendships, money, improved health and greater independence." She added: "Project SEARCH helps prepare students transitioning to adulthood gain employment and all of the benefits that come along with it."
Project SEARCH was launched in 1996 at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in an effort to promote a vibrant, inclusive workforce. There are now more than 600 Project SEARCH sites worldwide.
