Project SEARCH
What is Project Search?
The Project SEARCH Program is a unique, business-led, nine-month employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Up to 12 students with disabilities experience total workplace immersion, classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through three different worksite rotations. The goal for each participant is competitive employment. To reach that goal, the program provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent-living skills to help young people with significant disabilities make successful transitions to productive adult life.
For more information on Project Search, please visit The MS Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services website, which can be accessed here: PROJECT SEARCH WEBSITE.
The application can be accessed here: PROJECT SEARCH APPLICATION.
Things to Know about Project SEARCH:
- 2025-2026 will be the 6th year for Mississippi Baptist Medical Center to be the host site for Project SEARCH through CHS.
- Project Search accepts up to 12 students each year.
- You MUST REGISTER AND ENROLL YOUR STUDENT FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR BEFORE REPORTING TO PROJECT SEARCH.
- Your student will receive a MacBook or iPad to use at Project Search.
- Clinton Public School District provides transportation to and from the work sites each day, at no cost to their families.
- The students follow the CHS Student Calendar for school days/holidays.
- The program hires a Project SEARCH Teacher and 2 Job Skills Coaches.
- Each day, the intern will receive employability skills instruction on-site.
- Students participate in work-based learning in the form of UNPAID INTERNSHIPS.
- The students are trained for 3 ten-week rotations in departments around the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center.
- These rotations will occur in the following departments: Baptist Cafeteria, Chick-fil-A, Kitchen, Environmental Services, HealthPlex, Medical Records, PT/OT, Radiology, Sterile Processing, Transportation, and X-Ray.
- Applications are due on January 31, 2026.
- Interviews and skills assessments are conducted before or after Spring Break in March.
- Award and denial letters are sent out in mid-to late April.
COURSE OF STUDY
- Unit 1: Team Building
- Unit 2: Workplace Safety
- Unit 3: Technology
- Unit 4: Self-Advocacy
- Unit 5: Maintaining Employment
- Unit 6: Financial Literacy
- Unit 7: Health and Wellness
- Unit 8: Preparing for Employment
- Unit 9: Social and Communication
Important Dates
- Project Search Informational Meeting for Students, Parents, and Teachers: December 2025
- Deadline to submit application for Project Search 2025-2026: January 31, 2026
- Skills assessments and interviews for Project Search 2025-2026: March 2026
- Acceptance and Denial Letter sent for Project Search 2025-2026: April 2026
- Annual IEP Meeting Project Search and Goals on IEP: May 2026