Project Summary
In 2013, The Smithsonian Institution, SEEC, and
Ivymount School launched a Project SEARCH chapter for young adults who have
developmental disabilities. Additional partners include the Maryland
Developmental Disabilities Administration, DC's Rehabilitation Services
Administration, and the Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Project SEARCH interns are immersed in the
Smithsonian Institution workplace, receiving daily classroom instruction and
rotating among three distinct internships in positions that are meaningful to
the mission of the department to which they are assigned and are based on each
jobseeker's strengths and interests.
As a result of the first year of the program, 7
out of 11 graduating 2013-2014 interns are now paid Smithsonian employees,
working a minimum of 20 hours per week and earning competitive wages and
benefits.