We provide real-life work experience to help youth who have significant developmental disabilities make successful transitions from school to independent work. Project SEARCH features total immersion in a workplace setting. Students receive instruction to reinforce employment skills, career exploration opportunities, hands-on learning, while cultivating relationships with supervisors and co-workers which is required for meaningful, competitive employment throughout life.
Enrollment is now open: https://pimajted.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9uUKlsxNA5n9DbE
Eligibility
- Agree to a one-year program
- Agree to complete high school graduation credits with Project SEARCH
- Has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
- Have independent personal hygiene, toileting, and grooming skills
- Have independent daily living skills
- Maintain appropriate behavior and social skills in the workplace
- Be willing to receive constructive feedback
- Be willing to communicate in a professional manner
- Be willing to provide or have access to transportation to and from program (can include Sun Van, Dial-A-Ride, City Bus)
- Want to learn and build skills for employment
- Be able to pass a background check, drug screen, felony check, and have immunizations up to date to meet host businesses’ requirements in regards to COVID Vaccination standards
- Have the desire, support system and plan to work competitively in the community at the conclusion of the Project SEARCH program
Other Requirements
- Application to Project SEARCH @ JTED during fall semester
- Interview
- First Round: Mid-November
- Second Round: December
Number of Years to Complete this Program
1 year to complete
Things to Consider
- Internships are not paid
- Internship settings are either at Banner University Medical Center – South in the hospital and surrounding locations or on the University of Arizona campus including Banner University Medical Center – Tucson, and surrounding areas.
- There will be three different 11-week internship rotations throughout the year
- Interns are responsible for their transportation to/from the program daily
Direct Employment
- Food Service
- Retail, Hotel Industry
- Logistics
- Facilities & Maintenance
Jobs Available After Additional or Advanced Training
- Server
- Sales Clerk
- Shipping and Receiving
- Front of the House positions
Locations
JTED @ The Bridges
3300 S. Park Ave.
Schedule Availability
- Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Daily Schedule:
- 8 to 10 a.m. – Morning Lesson
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Internship Rotations at Host Businesses in the Community
- Hands-on learning and on-the-job training
- 30 minute lunch break
JTED @ Project SEARCH (Banner UMC – South)
2800 E. Ajo Way (Room 5095)
Schedule Availability
- Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Daily Schedule:
- 8 to 9 a.m. – Morning Lesson
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Internship Rotations
- Hands-on learning and on-the-job training
- 30 minute lunch break
- 2 to 3 p.m. – Lesson Wrap-Up, Reflection and Transportation Pick-ups
JTED @ Project SEARCH (U of A + Banner UMC – Tucson)
1224 E. Lowell St. (D107)
Schedule Availability
- Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Daily Schedule:
- 8 to 9 a.m. – Morning Lesson
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Internship Rotations
- Hands-on learning and on-the-job training
- 30 minute lunch break
- 2 to 3 p.m. – Lesson Wrap-Up, Reflection and Transportation Pick-ups
Program Completion/Sequence
Year 1
Human resource functions and Team Building, Workplace Ethics, Time Management, Professionalism in the Workplace, and Workplace Safety, Health Matters: Physical Activity & Nutrition, FBLA, and Vocational Assessments, Financial Literacy/Personal Finance, Technology, eFoodHandlers Certification, Preparation for Employment, Health Matters: Changing Lifestyles, Financial Literacy: Saving, Investing and Risk Management, Job Fairs, Portfolios, Resumes, Google Sites, Financial Literacy: Debit/Credit/Savvy Shopping, Goal Setting, Cover Letters, General management practices: acquiring and Maintaining Employment, and Social/Communication in the workplace.
Certification
- Semester 1:
- eFoodHandlers
- Semester 2:
- CPR-AED/First Aid
- RiseUp Retail
Work Based Learning Requirements
- Orientation at Project SEARCH
- Campus and Community Navigation
- Meet Departments/Managers/Supervisors
- Learn job tasks/routines for internships
Credits
2/Year
Instructors
- Tyler Oberlin
- Alan King
Program Manager
Xochitl Sierra
Contact for more information: 520-617-4464
More Information
Supplies
- Digital Watch (Banner UMC – South)
Uniform
- Banner UMC – South, The Bridges
- JTED Project SEARCH t-shirt
- JTED Project SEARCH polo
- JTED Project SEARCH jacket
- University of Arizona + Banner UMC – Tucson
- JTED Project SEARCH t-shirt
- U of A/JTED Project SEARCH polo
- JTED Project SEARCH jacket
- Black pants
- Black, non-slip shoes
Beneficial Classes to Take in High School
Academic Classes
- English
- Math
- Life Skills
- Transition
CTE Classes
- Culinary Arts
- Construction Technology
- Automotive Technologies
