New Project SEARCH interns begin their journey at NGH and NHNH
Left to right: Project SEARCH intern Connor Snively; Kerri Emberlin, Business Liaison; Project SEARCH interns Liam MacKenzie, Jennifer Penner, Collin Colibaba and Harley Shannon; and Ryan Nightingale, Grand Erie teacher.
(SIMCOE) – Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH) are pleased to welcome five new interns to Project SEARCH this fall.
The interns are secondary students from high schools across Norfolk County. Over the school year, they will complete three work placements at NGH and NHNH. They will also take part in classroom learning.
Project SEARCH is a school-to-work training program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It gives students real workplace experience while helping them build job skills, confidence and independence.
Interns complete more than 700 hours of hands-on workplace training during the program.
Project SEARCH began at NGH in September 2023. It was the first program of its kind in Norfolk County.
Today, NGH hosts the program in partnership with the Grand Erie District School Board (Grand Erie). Grand Erie teacher Ryan Nightingale supports the interns throughout the school year. Staff mentors at NGH and NHNH also work closely with the interns during their placements.
The program has already produced strong results.
Every intern who has graduated from Project SEARCH at NGH has found employment.
Several past graduates said they accomplished things they did not think were possible before joining the program.
“Partnering with Norfolk General Hospital on Project SEARCH directly aligns with our mission to shape today’s learners for the future. The program provides students with real-world skills, mentorship and confidence they need to succeed, and a clear pathway to employment,” says Dr. JoAnna Roberto, Chief Executive Officer with Grand Erie. “Seeing past graduates achieve 100% employment is a testament to the program, and we’re incredibly proud to welcome this year’s cohort as they begin their journey toward meaningful, independent futures.”
Project SEARCH has been helping young people prepare for employment since 1996. Today, the program operates at more than 800 sites around the world.
Globally, about two-thirds of Project SEARCH graduates find employment after completing the program.
“Project SEARCH shows what inclusion can look like in the workplace,” said Lisa Granger, Vice President People Strategy and Chief Human Resources Officer at NGH and NHNH. “Our interns are welcomed as part of our team and given real opportunities to learn, contribute and grow. We see their confidence build throughout the year, and we are proud to see them use those skills to move into meaningful employment.”
The program has also been recognized locally.
In 2024, NGH received the IDEA Award from the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce. The award recognized NGH’s work to support inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility through Project SEARCH.
NGH, NHNH and Grand Erie are proud to welcome this year’s interns and look forward to supporting them throughout the school year.
Media Contact:
Aaron Gautreau
Director of Communications & Public Relations
W: 519-426-0130 ext. 2454
