YUKON – A full-time program for young adults with significant disabilities has attracted national attention, due to its 77 percent employment rate.

Project SEARCH is housed within INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Hospital. Each year, a select group of students are chosen for a one-year immersion into the culture of the hospital. Students are required to complete three, 10-week unpaid internships in various parts of the hospital.

Teacher and job coaches provide on-site training and support for students, who benefit from career exploration in a variety of entry-level positions, such as working in the hospital cafeteria and assisting with linens.

“Our goal is to find employment for young people and help change the mindset of our community about people with disabilities,” said CV Tech instructor Jill Scott.

Scott received the award on behalf of the school at the recent National Project SEARCH convention in Anaheim, Calif. Programs who reach a 70 percent employment threshold qualify.

CV Tech’s program, which has begun its sixth year of operation, is one of more than 600 worldwide. Businesses who hire Project SEARCH graduates include Amazon, INTEGRIS hospitals and Walmart.