Project SEARCH is a high school program that provides training and internship opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. This opportunity allows them to gain workplace experiences and skills needed for competitive employment and successful careers after graduation.

The University of Florida College of Medicine and UF Health Shands Hospital are partners with the Alachua County Public Schools, The Center For Independent Living of North Central Florida, Florida Vocational Rehabilitation, and The Agency For Persons With Disabilities to offer this workplace internship program.

Project SEARCH provides this tremendous opportunity for our community to support and celebrate individuals who are neurodivergent. Interns in this program report to UF Shands Hospital to learn job skills in the classroom, while participating in three non-paid work rotations throughout the year. Students also engage in progress meetings to determine their career goals and plan steps in achieving those goals. Intern site managers work with Project SEARCH instructors and job coach to support the success of each student.

Learn more about Pathways to Employment: Project SEARCH in Alachua County