Who Qualifies?

Age: Must be at least 18 years old and typically between 18 and 22 years of age.

Education: Must have completed all necessary high school credits for graduation but agree that Project SEARCH will be their final year of school district services and that they will accept their diploma at the end of the program. (students can participate in the graduation ceremony with their cohort, but will not receive a diploma until completion of the Project SEARCH internship)

Disability Status: Students must have an IEP in order to participate in Project SEARCH. Students must also have an open VR case with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency.

What is Project SEARCH?

Thomaston-Upson Schools in partnership with Project SEARCH provides an opportunity and an atmosphere of high expectations.  People with disabilities have the right to choose a path toward education and employment. We strongly believe and expect that each intern can achieve the goal of competitive employment.

Skills and Abilities NECESSARY

Independence:

Maintain independent personal hygiene, grooming, and daily living skills.

Be able to take medications independently, if applicable.

Behavior and Communication:

Maintain appropriate workplace behavior and social skills.

Be able to communicate effectively, with or without accommodations.

Accept feedback from supervisors and adjust behavior when needed.

Application and Selection Process

Participation is application-based, and candidates are selected by a committee composed of partners from the school, VR, and host business. The process typically involves:

  1. Submitting a completed application and required forms.

  2. Attending an information session and/or an assessment day.

  3. Participating in an interview with the selection committee.

WHAT IS RWS?

Roosevelt Warm Springs (RWS) is a residential facility of vocational learning and training operated by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. RWS offers a variety of pathway options in high demand, well-paying career fields in a true post-secondary campus environment.  The skilled vocational staff of RWS utilize research based instructional strategies as the foundation of a blended learning model that incorporates access to online curriculum, direct face-to-face instruction, and hands-on performance tasks. 

PATHWAYS OFFERED AT RWS

Heavy Equipment Operation

Logistics/Warehousing (including forklift operator licensing)

Landscape Maintenance and Design

Auto Detailing

CVS/Retail

Hospitality

Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.)

Construction Jumpstart - Light Electrical/Carpentry.