Waubonsee Community College’s Workforce Development Division has partnered with Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital on Project SEARCH, a program to assist adults with disabilities in the development of job skills leading to an increased level of independence.
Project SEARCH provides education and training to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is done through an innovative workforce and career development model that benefits the individual, workplace and the community.
The program follows a 32-week schedule during which each participant completes three, 10-week internships and two 1-week workshops. The goal of Project SEARCH is to prepare each participant for competitive employment upon completion of the skill-building program.
As a leader in this field, Northwestern Medicine Delnor has found that the most successful young adult programs like this in the nation are associated with an education partner. In this partnership, Waubonsee will review the program’s curriculum and educational guidelines, provide noncredit course enrollment, as well as certificates of completion. Northwestern Medicine Delnor will provide classroom space, business liaisons, internship development, and uniforms for participants.
