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Project SEARCH

The Interest Survey is Open for 2025/2026

The interest survey is not an application. This will allow us to check your eligibility for our program and send out the application when its ready!

What is Project Search?

Project SEARCH is an innovative school-to-work internship program that gives young adults with disabilities the opportunity to learn marketable job skills to help them gain competitive integrated employment.

A one year, post-high school transition program which provides training and education leading to employment for individuals with disabilities. This program occurs on-site at UNM Hospital and Embassy Suites. Each candidate applies for the program, and selections are made during spring semester for participation the following school year.

"UNMH is thrilled to be the first employer hosting a Project SEARCH program in New Mexico. We are committed to making the program a success and are thankful we have a great relationship with all the program partners. We have a great bunch of interns who are all doing well."

-Phil Pelleriti, Manager of Recruitment, Human Resources

For more information about Project SEARCH please visit the Project Search website  or call (505) 872-6800 ext 46810

Partners

Best Buddies Logo
UNM Hospitals Logo
UNM CDD Logo
DVR Logo
APS logo
Embassy Suites Logo
NM Department of Health Logo

What a Typical Day May Look Like

School day: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 2:30 pm

Yearly calendar: Will follow Albuquerque Public Schools calendar. Teacher will notify interns if there are any changes to the calendar.

  • 7:30 am - 9:00 am Employability Skills Class Lessons are based on an approved Project SEARCH Curriculum.

  • 9:00 am -11:30 am Internship - Interns participate in non-paid job internships throughout UNMH. Interns rotate through three 10-week internships throughout the school year.

  • 11:30 am -12:00 pm Lunch Students may purchase a lunch or pack their own. Students are encouraged to eat with their department co-workers.

  • 12:00 pm -2:00 pm Internship Interns return to internship department.

  • 2:30 pm End of Day Group Reflection

Students sign out at 2:30 pm and return home independently.

Each 10-week internship is designed to teach marketable, competitive, and transferable skills.

Over 60% of Project SEARCH graduates, gain EMPLOYMENT !!!  The national average for people with disabilities is less than half of that.