Nine Licking County high school students have joined the Project SEARCH High School Transition program at Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS).  The program provides real-life work experience to help youth with disabilities make successful transitions from school to adult life.  The 2020-2021 school year marks the fifth year LMHS has partnered with Licking County Educational Service Center, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Greenleaf Job Training Services, the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities and area school districts to offer the program for local students.  “We are pleased to once again collaborate with other community organizations and provide the opportunity for students to learn vital skills that they can transfer to long, successful careers,” said LMHS President & CEO Rob Montagnese.  “LMHS employees are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside these exceptional young adults and contribute to a worthwhile educational experience.  It is a delight to watch the students grow and embark on a meaningful career in the Licking County workforce.”   
 
In addition to work experience, the Project SEARCH program trains participants in employability and independent living skills. Led by an instructor, job coaches, and directors and managers within LMHS departments, the students receive a combination of classroom instruction, career exploration and on-the-job training.  Students began the program in August with orientation and time to acclimate to the healthcare environment.  Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the students also were provided training on social distancing, masking, and handwashing. 
 
Throughout the school year, students continue to work on employability and functional skills in a classroom setting, but the majority of their time is spent completing three unique rotations in a variety of clinical and technological areas within the Hospital.  As a precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this year’s rotations were adjusted to avoid areas of direct patient care.  The internship rotation allows the students to acquire marketable and transferable skills necessary to be hired by Licking County businesses for entry-level positions, with additional responsibilities added as their proficiency in the core areas increases.  These work experiences also help the students build communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills.  Many students begin the program interested in certain departments.  However, they also are open to exploring all opportunities available. 
 
Students from Newark, Granville, Licking Valley, Lakewood and Northridge school districts are participating in Project SEARCH this school year.  The 2020-2021 participants also are involved in a variety of other activities, including football, basketball, Special Olympics, cheerleading, music, and horse therapy.  In addition to serving as the host site, LMHS will provide uniforms to all of the students, and transportation through Licking County Transit Services.
 
The long-term goal of Project SEARCH is to provide a set of transferable skills to people with disabilities that will result in a diverse group of motivated job seekers for employers throughout Licking County.  At the conclusion of each academic year, students who graduate from the program are prepared for competitive employment and have assistance obtaining complex and rewarding jobs.