Madison Reporter

Project SEARCH is a program offering career pathways in healthcare for young adults with disabilities. The initiative provides job training and career preparation through partnerships with healthcare institutions, addressing workforce shortages while opening opportunities for students.

The program at MMSD is led by Jason Penticoff, who has nearly two decades of experience in special education. He emphasizes the importance of helping students become independent and successful in the workplace. “Helping students become independent and successful in the workplace is incredibly rewarding,” Penticoff states. “They leave this program with skills that will serve them for a lifetime.”

Project SEARCH offers an 11-month training experience for students aged 18 to 21, involving multiple job rotations at University of Wisconsin Hospital and the VA Hospital. In 2023, it expanded to include inpatient nursing units to address staffing challenges in healthcare.

Wisconsin faces a shortage of healthcare workers, especially nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). The Wisconsin Hospital Association notes increasing vacancy rates for these roles. Project SEARCH trains interns to support hospital settings, helping meet these demands.

Interns assist with non-clinical tasks like organizing supplies and sanitizing areas, which helps reduce the workload on nursing staff. “The impact has been tremendous,” Penticoff remarks. “Hospital staff have been incredibly supportive, and our interns feel a real sense of accomplishment in their roles.”

Since its introduction into inpatient units, several interns have been placed successfully, becoming valued team members. One participant said, “I enjoy being part of the hospital staff. My coworkers treat me like a team member, and I feel like I’m making a difference.”

Project SEARCH aims for long-term employment success; many graduates secure permanent jobs within healthcare or elsewhere. UW and VA hospitals have hired numerous former interns. The program equips participants with technical skills as well as confidence and independence for building careers. Penticoff explains: “Employment is life-changing. It gives people purpose, stability, and a sense of belonging.”

Since starting at MMSD in 2008, Project SEARCH has supported over 40 graduates launching careers in healthcare. As it grows, Penticoff seeks new partnerships to expand student opportunities.

“This is about more than just learning a job,” he says. “It’s about building a future.”