HAMPTON, Va. — The final Project SEARCH interns graduated at Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton on Monday morning.
Seven interns are graduating from the program in Hampton on Monday. Three previous graduations happened at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Sentara Norfolk General and Sentara Leigh Hospitals.
According to the Project SEARCH website, individuals participating in the program have intellectual and developmental disabilities and are seeking "competitive employment."
"Project SEARCH is a cooperative program among the Virginia Department of Rehabilitation, local school divisions and participating employers to help developmentally challenged young adults learn job skills that will make them more productive and independent," the release reads.
In the final year of high school, the interns attend classes followed by on-the-job training in different departments, including Materials Management, Dietary, Environmental Services and others.
The program aims to ensure participants graduate high school with a job secured, along with skills related to finding and performing a job.
"With luck, graduates leave high school with job, and job search, skills and actual jobs," according to a release. "Some will work for Sentara. Some will join other employers with support and supervision."