Ten students started the 2021-2022 Project SEARCH High School Transition Program in August at Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS).  The Project SEARCH program advocates for professional and personal growth through hands-on learning and experiences in three unique rotations within a variety of clinical and technological areas at LMHS.  Led by an instructor, job coaches, and LMHS directors and managers, the students receive a combination of classroom instruction, career exploration and on-the-job training.  

The interns begin each day in the classroom to learn resume writing, job searching techniques, interviewing skills, and other basic skills for obtaining employment.  The program also focuses on personal characteristics, such as social and adaptability skills, stress management, and developing hobbies and characteristics into career interests.  The interns report to LMHS managers at the internship rotation locations to complete assigned job tasks.  Interns Elijah Stephens and Brooklyn Grady both have utilized their experience to discover potential careers inside or outside of LMHS. 

Elijah, a student at Watkins Memorial High School, has completed internships in the Purchasing Department and Environmental Services.  “I have learned a lot of new skills,” said Elijah.  “Particularly, I have learned to count merchandise records and inventory in Purchasing, and I’ve found that I really enjoy it.  I also enjoy the cleaning tasks in Environmental Services.  It feels good to help create a clean environment to make sure patients feel comfortable.”  

Elijah shared that Project SEARCH has provided him with effective learning methods that help him feel confident about pursuing a career in healthcare.  He hopes to earn a job at a hospital or medical center where he can use his new skills.

Brooklyn is a student at Granville High School and hopes to work in Labor & Delivery.  “During my internship in the Maternal Child Department, I prepared the rooms for both the mother and baby.  It has helped me to see that this can be a career for me.”  Brooklyn said.  “I’ve always liked babies and young children, and this internship has made me really excited for my future.”  

Brooklyn also learned about HIPAA regulations and the importance of confidentiality during her internships in both Labor & Delivery and Human Resources.  She has especially enjoyed meeting new people at LMHS and gaining job experience. 

Interns also participated in rotations in Culinary Services, Acute Rehabilitation, Cardiology, Engineering Services, Oncology, and Concierge Services.  Each intern appreciates learning life skills that are necessary for their future and career path.  As part of the program, students complete daily journals and weekly goal sheets to record all that they have learned and show their progress.  Intern Caeden McLaughlin highlights communication skills, budgeting, and saving and spending money responsibly as skills that he has learned to this point in his internship.  Payton Amos, Nautica Garsky, Jayda Green, Eliana Hansen, Matthew Jesenko, Cam Mohler, and Gabriel Washburn also are excited about the new skills they have already acquired and will learn in the next semester of their internship.  All of the interns have expressed their gratitude toward LMHS and the program for helping them to grow.  

“For the past six years of this program, LMHS employees have always been so kind and helpful to all of our interns.  Each year, they help the interns feel at home and comfortable with themselves,” said Project SEARCH Instructor Tina Angeletti.  “All of the interns feel valued for their work and are grateful for this opportunity.  I appreciate the collaboration between LMHS management, staff and agencies, such as Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Greenleaf Job Training Services, and the school districts.  Our interns gain a variety of necessary skills that will help them find competitive and integrated employment either within LMHS or out in the community.”  The 2021-2022 Project SEARCH internship will continue until graduation in May 2022.