Project SEARCH to hold Oct. 26 Information Night

Session will explain internship program for students with disabilities

Students and parents, educators and members of the public are invited to an informational session on Project SEARCH, a training and education program for students with intellectual disabilities.

Project SEARCH Information Night will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26 in the Kresge Center on the third floor of Bellin Hospital, 744 S. Webster Ave.

Session attendees will become acquainted with the one-year transition program, which is available to students during their last year of high school eligibility. Gov. Scott Walker announced the expansion of Project SEARCH to Green Bay in July 2014, and the program began in September 2015 at Bellin Hospital and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital.

“Project SEARCH has been an exceptional experience for our organization,” said Pete Knox, Bellin Health executive vice president and chief learning and innovation officer. “We are celebrating the success of last year’s class, 100 percent of whom have found permanent employment, while welcoming a terrific new group of interns who are already making their mark at Bellin Health.”

Eight students make up this year’s Project SEARCH class. Their days are split between classroom instruction and internship rotations in various hospital departments.

“Project SEARCH has been an invaluable addition to HSHS St. Vincent Hospital,” said Larry Connors, Chief Operating Officer at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital. “The interns show an exemplary work ethic and make a positive, direct impact on the departments they work in and the patients we care for each day.”

In addition to the two hospitals, ASPIRO, CESA 7, area high schools, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development-Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services are partnering to present the program locally.

Those who wish to attend the information night event are asked to RSVP to Jean LeJeune, Jean.LeJeune@hshs.org or (920) 431-3235. Valet parking will be available at the Webster Avenue entrance to Bellin Hospital.