Left to right: Project SEARCH intern Connor Snively; Kerri Emberlin, Business Liaison; Project SEARCH interns Liam MacKenzie, Jennifer Penner, Collin Colibaba and Harley Shannon; and Ryan Nightingale, Grand Erie teacher
Five Norfolk County students are getting a hands-on start to the school year through Project SEARCH at Norfolk General Hospital and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home.
The secondary school students will complete three work placements during the year, along with classroom learning. In total, each intern will receive more than 700 hours of workplace training.
Project SEARCH helps students with intellectual and developmental disabilities build job skills, confidence and independence while gaining real-world experience.
The program launched at NGH in September 2023 as the first of its kind in Norfolk County. It is offered in partnership with the Grand Erie District School Board, with teacher Ryan Nightingale and hospital staff mentors supporting students throughout their placements.
The local program has already seen strong results, with every intern who has graduated from Project SEARCH at NGH finding employment.
Grand Erie CEO Dr. JoAnna Roberto said the program gives students real-world skills, mentorship and a clear pathway to employment.
NGH and NHNH Vice President People Strategy and Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Granger said interns are welcomed as part of the team and given opportunities to learn, contribute and grow.
Project SEARCH began in 1996 and now operates at more than 800 sites worldwide.
