What is Project SEARCH?
Project SEARCH is a unique business-led, one-year, school-to-work, transition program designed to help fifth-year high school seniors with disabilities to gain competitive entry-level employment skills. The Project SEARCH program occurs onsite at Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS).
The cornerstone of Project SEARCH is total immersion in the LMHS environment. Each day, the interns will spend 1.5 hours learning employability skills in the classroom. They will also participate in three internships/experiences throughout the year where they will learn competitive entry-level skills.
Important Dates
Information Night
October 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Licking Memorial Hospital, Conference Room A & B
Application Deadline
February 5, 2027
Skills Day/Interviews
March 4 & 5, 2027 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tours by Appointment
Contact Susan Casto
Phone: (740) 614-0068
Complete and Submit Application (below) by February 5, 2027
Check Back Soon for the 2027-28 School Year Project Search Application
Susan Casto, Project Search Coordinator
Licking Regional Educational Service Center
145 N. Quentin St.
Newark, Ohio 43055
Applicant Requirements
- Students 18-21 years old.
- Have finished the necessary credits for graduation. The student must have met all the requirements to graduate, but must not be considered a graduate by their home district in order to participate.
- Benefit from participating in a variety of internships
- Possess a desire to work competitively at the end of the Project SEARCH program.
- Students must be enrolled in their home district during their senior year of high school.
- The student’s IEP team approves of the placement into Project SEARCH. The student’s district of residence Special Education Director must be a part of this IEP team decision.
- The student must be eligible for services with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and have completed a work experience prior to applying for Project SEARCH.
Our Partners
Licking Memorial Health Systems (Host Business Site)
Licking Regional Educational Service Center (Provides Teacher)
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (Provides Funding for Job Coaches)
Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Provides after Internship Support)
Our County Schools Provide Student Intern Candidates and Financial Support!
Granville Exempted Village Schools
Heath City Schools
Johnstown Monroe Local School
Lakewood Local School
Licking Heights Local School
Licking Valley Local School
Newark City Schools
North Fork Local School District
Northridge Local School District
Southwest Licking Local Schools