The Hanover and District Hospital (HDH) has welcomed the inaugural Project SEARCH Class for 2025.
A press release from Hanover and District Hospital, in partnership with the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board and Bluewater District School Board, shares that on September 2, the hospital welcomed welcomed its first class of five students to begin this innovative program.
Project SEARCH is an internationally-recognized "school-to-work transition program that provides young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the opportunity to gain meaningful employment skills in a real-world environment," according to the release.
The students spend the school year immersed an a unique learning environment where they learn skills to handle multiple tasks at a workplace.
At HDH, students will have access to a dedicated classroom space within the hospital. They will be supported by a teacher and a skills trainer who will guide them in developing the skill set needed to successfully complete tasks within the hospital’s various departments.
"This partnership highlights the power of collaboration in building brighter futures for young people in our community," said Dana Howes, President and CEO of HDH. "We are thrilled to welcome our first group of students and look forward to supporting them as they grow and thrive."