A national program designed to help students with disabilities obtain competitive community-based employment is expanding to south Mississippi through a strategic collaboration of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, South Central Regional Medical Center and the Jones County School District.

Project SEARCH SCRMC is offering up to 12 students from the Jones County School District a ten-month internship position.  This opportunity allows the students to work on employability and functional skills in several areas including team building, technology, communication, job search skills and money management.

“Our mission as a state agency is perfectly matched with that of Project SEARCH,” said Chris Howard, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.  “Our goal is for these interns to gain full-time employment with benefits after they have completed this program.  Our partnership with SCRMC and the Jones County School District is making this goal possible for these students.”

“Our district could not be more proud to be a part of Project SEARCH,” said Tommy Parker, Superintendent of Education of the Jones County School District.  “Project SEARCH will provide a unique opportunity for our students.  In the Jones County School District, our focus is on educating the whole while also preparing them for life after high school.  Through this partnership we have the chance to give these students lifelong careers.”

“We are very proud to offer Project SEARCH program at South Central,” said Doug Higginbotham, President and CEO of South Central Regional Medical Center.  “Our team is very excited to be part of such a wonderful program that is consistent with our mission to improve the lives of Mississippians.”

The internships kicked-off with a “signing day” for students, parents and agency partners on Monday, August 5th, at SCRMC.  Participants gathered in their designated classroom to sign their “contract” with the MDRS and SCRMC.  Students will report to South Central for the start of the program on Wednesday, August 7th.