Project SEARCH and Atlantic Health Expand Employment Opportunities for Neurodiverse Young Adults

 

Partnership provides young adults with intellectual and developmental differences with meaningful internship experiences, career skills, and pathways to competitive employment.

 

Newton, NJ — Sussex County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) is proud to highlight the continued success of Project SEARCH, a nationally recognized employment preparation program that empowers young adults with intellectual and developmental differences to develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to pursue meaningful careers. October is National Disability Employment Month and is observed to honor the contributions of workers with disabilities and promote inclusive workplaces.

 

Through an ongoing partnership with Atlantic Health, Project SEARCH provides young adults with opportunities to learn workplace expectations, develop practical employment skills, and gain hands-on experience in a professional healthcare environment.

 

Atlantic Health has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and accepted. Since 2016, Atlantic Health has helped nearly 100 neurodiverse young adults gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce. Approximately 80% of Project SEARCH graduates have secured employment, with one-third working directly for Atlantic Health.

 

Overlook Medical Center holds a special place in the program's history, serving as the first Project SEARCH partner in New Jersey and the first hospital in the state to hire a Project SEARCH intern for full-time employment. They just celebrated their 10 year anniversary at Overlook Medical Center. Today, Atlantic Health offers Project SEARCH internship opportunities at Overlook Medical Center, Newton Medical Center, and Hackettstown Medical Center.

 

Through immersive workplace internships, participants gain experience in real-world settings while strengthening communication, teamwork, problem-solving, independence, and other essential employment skills. The program helps bridge the gap between school and adult life by connecting young adults with opportunities to contribute to their communities and build lasting careers.

 

“Project SEARCH represents the power of partnership and the importance of recognizing the strengths, talents, and potential of every individual. By providing authentic workplace experiences and individualized support, we help young adults build confidence, develop independence, and discover meaningful career pathways. We are grateful to Atlantic Health for its continued commitment to inclusion and for creating opportunities that make a lasting difference in the lives of our students” stated Superintendent of Sussex County ESC Andrea Romano.

 

The partnership between SCESC and Atlantic Health reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to employment and ensuring that young adults with disabilities have opportunities to participate fully in their communities. Through collaboration among educators, healthcare professionals, job coaches, and workplace mentors, Project SEARCH helps participants move beyond classroom learning and apply their skills in meaningful employment settings.

 

SCESC is proud to support programming that celebrates individual strengths, promotes independence, and prepares young adults for successful transitions into adult life.

 

About Project SEARCH

 

Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized employment preparation program designed to help young adults with intellectual and developmental differences transition from school to competitive integrated employment. Through workplace internships, job skills instruction, and individualized support, participants develop the practical skills and confidence needed to pursue employment and greater independence. Please reach out to Supervisor John O’Hara for more information at johara@sussexesc.org.

 

About Sussex County Educational Services Commission

 

Sussex County Educational Services Commission partners with school districts, families, and community organizations to provide specialized educational services and programming that support students with diverse learning needs. Through initiatives such as Project SEARCH, SCESC is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop independence, strengthen vocational skills, and achieve success beyond the classroom.