High Schools

Transition to Work - Project SEARCH

In Project SEARCH, as a special education student, you will spend one-year in an immersive work program located entirely at a host business. You will complete three separate skill-matched supported internships. To be in this program you must be a deferred graduate, enrolled in a public school, and qualify for Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) services.

A young person wearing a green hoodie sits at a wooden office desk in front of a computer monitor.

Career Expectations

Complete work in a timely manner
Work with various supervisors at different locations
Wear appropriate uniform as assigned by a supervisor
Follow appropriate workplace hygiene expectations
Collaborate with co-workers to complete assigned tasks
Remain open to exploring and practicing new things
Remain professional in various work environments
Use self-advocacy skills in uncomfortable situations
Follow step by step directions/instructions

Two scientists in white lab coats and gloves smile for the camera in a laboratory setting.

Courses

One-year school-to-work program located entirely at a host business
Immersive setting at a specific Project SEARCH work site
Three internships of work in a skill-matched position with support from a skills trainer
Must have completed all high school coursework, be a deferred graduate, enrolled in a public school, and qualify for Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)

View complete course guide here

Next Ready Skills

At Great Oaks, you’ll do more than learn a trade; you’ll master NextReady skills like clear communication and problem-solving that help you get hired. You will get a head start on building a professional reputation for being dependable, adaptable, and technically skilled before you even graduate

Effective Communicators

Record work tasks accurately and use a professional tone and respectful words to solve problems with coworkers.

Critical Thinkers

Use available resources to find facts and try to solve problems independently before asking for assistance.

Adaptable Navigators

Stay calm when plans change and view new tasks as opportunities to become more independent.

Accountable Employees

Take responsibility for personal character/integrity, make ethical choices, and keep personal/others private information safe.

Skilled Professionals

Show leadership through punctuality, safely use tools/equipment, maintain appropriate dress/appearance, and be confident to perform a job well.

Bottom Line: If you like working with others, prefer routine work, can follow directions with feedback, and are willing to learn job expectations and appropriate workplace behaviors then a Transition Program may be right for you.

Project SEARCH programs are at the following locations

5/3 Bank, Madisonville Operations Center

Possible worksite experiences are individualized for student strengths, abilities, and interests

Credit card processing intern
Information technology clerk
Loss mitigation file setup
Mail Center clerk
Administrative assistant
File auditing
Bank card servicing

Xavier University

A unique aspect of this program is mentoring from Xavier University education students.
Classroom location: Innovation Center, Room 3 on the main campus
Possible worksite experiences are individualized for student strengths, abilities, and interests.

Physical plant
Retail store
Food service
Mail center
Student recreation center
Clerical support
Library

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Possible worksite experiences are individualized for student strengths, abilities, and interests.

Materials Management
Patient Escort
Research Labs
Guest Services
Food Service
Formula/Human Milk
Patient Services

Transition to Work - Project SEARCH

Career Expectations

Courses