Now Accepting Applications!
The Special Services Department of the Lenape Regional High School District is now accepting applications for student participation in the following transition programs for the 2025-2026 school year:
- Project SEARCH
Please Complete the Interest Form Below for More Information!
Project SEARCH High School Transition Program is an internship program designed to transition young adults into employment within a workplace.
Project SEARCH is provided by Lenape Regional High School District in partnership with:
- TD Bank
- Jewish Family & Children's Services
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)
- Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
Program Overview
The Project SEARCH High School Transition Program is a unique one-year school-to-work program that takes place entirely at TD Bank. Interns participate in employment-related instruction and are assigned internships in up to three departments within TD Bank Corporate Center in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. The program provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills to help young adults with significant disabilities make successful transitions from school to productive adult life. The goal for each intern is competitive employment.
Project SEARCH History
Project SEARCH was founded in 1996 at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Under the leadership of Erin Riehle and Susie Rutkowski, Project SEARCH has grown from one original program site at Cincinnati Children's to nearly 600 programs across the United States and the world. Visit the Project SEARCH website for more information.
Program Eligibility
The following guidelines for eligibility are required for student candidates:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have completed high school credits necessary for graduation
- Agree that this will be the last year of student services and will accept diploma at successful completion of Project SEARCH internship
- Meet eligibility requirements for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)
- Maintain appropriate behavior and social skills in the workplace
- Be able to communicate effectively
- Have access to reliable transportation
- Be able to maintain a minimum of 85% attendance
- Have the desire to work competitively in the community at conclusion of internship
Work Rotations
Interns build communication and problem-solving skills, as well as job specific skills, through three 11-week work rotations. These are unpaid internships. Worksites are assigned based on the interns' previous work experience, interests, preferences, and assessments. Interns are required to interact with department supervisors via telephone and write communication to arrange job interviews and scheduling details. Skills trainers and department staff collaborate to provide support for interns. Skills trainers fade out as interns gain independence.
Application Process
Students are referred to the program through their school district and apply in the winter of the year prior to entering the program. Students and families complete and submit the applications through their district child study teams by a predetermined deadline. Space is limited for students applying and the selection is carried out by members of the Project SEARCH Steering Committee. The committee reviews the application packets and notifies eligible students and their families. Acceptance letters are sent to students and IEP meetings are scheduled by their districts. Space is limited, so applying early is advised.
Project SEARCH is for interns who are:
- In last year of school eligibility and have completed all the high schools credits, graduation requirements, and/or IEP goals
- Interested in working within a business setting
- Working to achieve competitive employment in the community