Project SEARCH helps young adults find fulfilling employment

Little did she know that her work at Providence Alaska Medical Center (PAMC) would become about so much more than money. After spending a year as an intern, sampling a variety of job options, she found that what she really likes is helping people. That has led her to permanent employment in PAMC’s Food and Nutrition Department. 

“I like that we get to help people heal, to nourish them,” said Carpio, a Service High graduate. “You get to know them when you deliver meals, and we make small talk. They teach me, too. It feels good to help people.” 

Project SEARCH is a one-year transition-to-work program that trains young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be competitive in the job market and find meaningful employment. Providence Alaska supports it with classroom space, on-site internship opportunities, and in 2025, $80,000 in community benefit funding. 

Project SEARCH teacher Beth Talcott said Providence’s support is priceless because interns are exposed to so many job opportunities. After each rotation, they evaluate what they liked about their work experience and what they would improve. These reflections help them hone their skills and find a job that suits them best.  

“There are 14 departments at Providence that our interns rotate through,” Talcott said. “From the cafeteria to grounds maintenance, to janitorial and some patient-facing roles,” she said. “We have a variety – even the daycare – where our interns can learn.” 

Talcott said as they reach the end of their yearlong program, interns are expected to write resumes and interview for jobs just like any other candidate. Project SEARCH – a collaborative effort between PAMC, Anchorage School District, The Arc of Anchorage, Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities & Special Education, and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – helps them do it. The goal, Talcott added, is to integrate these young adults into the workforce in a way that is mutually beneficial to employee and employer.  

Samantha Gear interned with Project SEARCH after completing home school in 2021 and is now permanently employed in General Stores, a central storage department in the hospital. She found that she liked the fast pace of the work, the challenge of pulling and organizing orders – but in an environment that doesn’t get too loud or chaotic.  

“I like fast-paced but not too fast-paced, and I can listen to playlists,” she said. “She has a little bit of a competitive streak and tried to fill more orders each day,” Talcott said. “Her employers were impressed with her efficiency.” 

Gear, one of Project SEARCH’s shining stars, has also helped train eight interns in the two years since she took her job.  

“That is one of the unique aspects of our program from other Project SEARCH programs,” Talcott said. “We often have past interns train new interns, and it works well.” 

Jonathon Hunter is one such intern. After working with Gear in General Stores, he began a rotation at Higher Grounds Cafe in the main lobby of the hospital. His work as a barista there has been one of his favorite rotations so far, he said.  

“I like customer service and learning new things,” said Hunter, a 2022 Service High graduate. “I had to learn the whole coffee machine, and I do cleaning and wipe-down. My favorite drink to make is an Americano because it is easy.”     

Riz Gabriel, Hunter’s supervisor at Higher Grounds, said she is proud of his progress on the job. 

“He’s doing good on the register, and he’s very friendly,” she said.  

Talcott said Project SEARCH is licensed to take up to 12 interns per year; applicants must be aged 18-22, and meet a variety of requirements, including the ability to hold a daily schedule, follow directions, maintain appropriate social behaviors and take direction from supervisors. The most successful candidates, she said, are self-motivated to be there.  

“The more the inspiration comes from them, the more successful they will be,” Talcott added.  

On the wall near the main Project SEARCH classroom are dozens of photos of past interns who have benefited from this powerful – and empowering – program. The faces in the photos are smiling, eager to learn and proud of their accomplishments. And for many, Providence becomes their employer of choice.