How it Works
UAMS partners with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and ACCESS to help participants develop skills for competitive employment. Internships are housed within various UAMS departments, including campus operations, Center for Diversity Affairs, central supply, endoscopy, fitness center, hand therapy, human resources, information technology, nutrition services, parking operations, patient hospitality, and patient transport.
Program participants take part in three ten-week internships at UAMS during the nine-month program. Upon completion, Project SEARCH graduates receive assistance with finding employment along with follow-along services to assist them on the job.
Founded in 1996, Project SEARCH’s proven training and employment model is currently used in more than 500 programs spanning six countries and multiple industries. The model was developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
The focus of the program includes:
- Employability
- Independent life skills
- Vocational vocabulary
- Assistive technology
- Internship rotations
- Job coaching
- Job search assistance
- Worksite accommodations
The benefits of the program include:
- Internships at local businesses
- Opportunities to acquire marketable job skills
- Experience with business norms
- Increased confidence
