Skip to main content.

Summa Health's Project SEARCH helps young adults with disabilities gain employment

Posted April 18, 2022 by Jessica Goff, Manager, Volunteer Services

two women with arms around each others shoulders

Summa Health is helping to educate and employ young adults with disabilities one student at a time through Project SEARCH.

Since 2005, Summa Health has partnered with the Six District Educational Compact, a regional collaborative that provides career-technical education programs, to offer high-school students a one-year, school-to-work transition program on-site. Modeled after the growing Project SEARCH national program, the initiative is designed to help qualified students make a successful transition from school to the world of work by experiencing hands-on learning in real-world hospital settings.

Each year, the Six District Educational Compact selects up to 12 student interns from the Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Kent, Stow-Monroe Falls, Tallmadge and Woodridge school districts. They spend the school year, August – May, rotating through three 10-week work rotations at our Akron Campus based on their interests and abilities. The rotations, which include shipping and receiving, distribution, laundry, patient transport, food and nutrition, information and technologies, nursing education and more, offer students a structured environment to develop their workplace skills.

Student interns are fully integrated into the work of the department and work alongside Summa Health employees doing the same job. In addition, job coaches from our community partners, including the Six District Educational Compact, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and Goodwill Industries, are available to help the students learn their jobs and improve their skills, while promoting independence. Throughout the day, they move from student to student offering support and coaching.

Summa Health’s Project SEARCH not only offers student interns the opportunity to develop their workplace skills in entry-level positions, but it also prepares them for competitive employment. These experiences help the students become familiar with the hospital environment, so they may apply for regular employment at Summa Health upon completion of the project.

Summa Health is proud of its Project SEARCH success story. Since inception, we have hired about 25 percent of the student interns and nearly 75 percent of that group are still employed today.

Project SEARCH benefits

Each student and family works with the Project SEARCH coordinator to ensure the participant finds just the right work rotations. Then, as the year progresses, the coordinator helps the student explore the possibilities of employment at Summa Health or to access adult service agencies.

Student interns can expect to:

  • Explore a variety of careers in a health-care setting
  • Acquire a resume, interview techniques and marketable job skills
  • Gain self-advocacy skills, improved confidence and independence

Project SEARCH eligibility

Participants must be:

  • In their last year of high-school eligibility, and have met all graduation requirements
  • On an IEP (Individual Education Plan)
  • Eligible or willing to apply for services with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)

Each applicant must fill out a Student Application, have a parent or guardian complete a Parent Application, and have their intervention specialist complete a Teacher Application.

Continued success of Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a win-win for Summa Health and participating interns. We get the opportunity to meet our human resources needs, while participating adults with disabilities gain workplace skills and experience, and have the chance to apply and interview for positions here at the hospital.

In fact, one of our main goals of the program is to hire the student interns, and Summa Health has a strong track record of doing so. We are proud to admit one whole shift of laundry personnel, including the supervisor for that shift, are former Project SEARCH participants.

This year alone, Project SEARCH had nine student interns and we have already hired seven participants to date and the school year isn’t even over yet. One of those students was hired into the laundry division earlier this school year and has proven to be a phenomenal employee, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic. He is passionate about the work and is eager to help his fellow co-workers.

Project SEARCH has become a success story at Summa Health so much so that we are looking to expand the program into other areas of the hospital system by the end of this year.

To learn more or apply, visit our webpage on Project SEARCH


About the Author

Jessica Goff, Manager, Volunteer Services

Vitality eNews Sign Up

Receive the Summa Health eNewsletter for the latest health tips, advice and updates.

Related Blogs

View all Flourish Blogs

5 Ways Golfing is a Hole-in-One for Your Physical and Mental Health

If you’re looking for a new sport or hobby that positively impacts your health, look no further than the game of golf. Golfing is an excellent form of exercise that scores you many physical and mental health benefits.

Golf may not appear to be a physically demanding sport as it involves standing still for each shot and hitting a stationary ball. Yet, one round of golf involves walking for hours and using your brain to calculate distances and challenging shots. Plus,…

Sunburn, Sun Poisoning & Heat Rash: A Guide for Care & Prevention

As Ohio shifts from its gray season to summer sun, the temperature rises and so does your skin's risk for common heat-related conditions like sunburn, sun poisoning and heat rash. While they share similar causes — heat and sun exposure — their symptoms and treatments differ. Learning the important details and differences about these conditions will give you everything you need to know to stay safe and comfortable under the summer sun.

What is a Sunburn?

It is more…

Medication Safety [Podcast]

Listen in as we discuss medication safety with Allison Plata and Rebecca Varkett. They discuss understanding medications, potential side effects, interactions, and tips for organizing and storing medications safely. The episode also highlights the role of pharmacists and the importance of keeping an up-to-date list of medications.

6 Winter Skincare Tips to Prevent Dry, Itchy Skin

Dry, frigid temperatures, harsh winds and low humidity are hallmarks of winter weather. Couple that with dry indoor heat and this time of year can wreak havoc on your skin if it’s not protected.

Winter elements cause dryness, redness and flaking, damaging your skin barrier, which can make it harder to hold moisture. This can lead to further dryness, irritation, itching and even cracking. 

What’s the key to combating dry skin? Moisture! So, if you haven’t…

Hospital Stay Expectations [Podcast]

In this episode, Allison Plata leads a discussion focusing on what to expect when staying in the hospital.

What to Expect the Day of Surgery [Podcast]

Heidi Mueller, RN discusses how to prepare for surgery. She offers helpful information on steps to take leading up to the day, as well as how to prepare the day of surgery.

The Importance of Diversifying Medical Education [Podcast]

The podcast features Dr. Yoleetah Ilodi, discussing diversity and inclusion in medical education at Summa Health. Dr. Ilodi addresses obstacles faced by underrepresented minorities, emphasizing the importance of diversity for better patient outcomes. She explains her role as the Medical Director of DEI and highlights Summa Health's efforts to increase underrepresented minority residents and faculty, underscoring the impact of diversity on patient satisfaction and reducing health disparities.

Need an Imaging Test or Body Scan? Here’s a Picture of What to Expect

When healthcare providers need to see inside your body, the type of imaging test they recommend will depend on your injury or condition. Each modality is unique, creating imagery based on distinct technology and equipment, and offers a different purpose and set of advantages for making an accurate diagnosis. 

For instance, if doctors need to check for a concussion, a CT scan is the best option for your exam. But if you suspect a broken bone, X-Ray is the better choice.&…

Five Surprising Health Benefits to Socializing with Others

People are innately social creatures. Even the most introverted crave social interaction from time to time. And, that’s good news. Social interaction is good for our minds, bodies and souls.

In fact, studies show when you have a satisfying relationship with a romantic partner, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or others, you’re happier, have fewer health problems and live longer. In contrast, people who are lonely or socially isolated are linked to poorer…

On the Hottest Days of Summer, Remember These 5 Tips for Heatstroke Prevention

Summer is synonymous with fun in the sun. From swimming to hiking and biking to tennis, golf and more, it’s a season to enjoy the great outdoors. But as temperatures and humidity rise, so do the dangers of heat illness.

 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700 people are killed by extreme heat every year in this country. Infants and people aged 65 or older, especially those with chronic conditions, are most at risk for heat…

6 Summer Safety Scoops

Summer often brings some much-needed fun in the sun. Longer days lead to outdoor activities for the whole family. However, summer months also bring forth a host of health safety concerns. Here are six concerns to recognize and tips on how to have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Sunburn

We all love to catch some rays but too much time in the sun can make for a painful sunburn. Usually within a few hours, skin reddens and becomes painful to the touch. A normal sunburn can be handled…

Sunburns 101: Tips to Avoid the Burn

Despite our best intentions and precautionary measures to protect our skin from the hot, blazing sun, many of us have suffered from sunburn at one time or another. But it’s no big deal if you’ve only been burned a few times, right? Wrong.

The dangers of even one sunburn go far beyond the short-term pain, redness and swelling. After the redness fades, lasting damage remains.

When your skin absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, it can damage the genetic…

Air Quality: How is it Measured and How Can You Protect Yourself?

Air quality is measured through the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It informs you about how clean or polluted the air is in your area and what associated health effects might concern you.

AQI tracks harmful foreign substances, generally gasses and particulates, that have reached harmful levels in the air. AQI runs from 0 to 500; the higher the AQI value, the greater level of air pollution and health concerns. For example, an…

Minority Health Month and the Social Determinants of Health [Podcast]

Iriel Hopkins: Summa Health System Director of Community Relations and Diversity, and Marlo Schmidt: Summa Health System Director of Community Benefits, discuss the social determinants of health.

Nutrition and Hydration – Tips for Training and Competition

Proper nutrition and hydration is always important, not only on race day! Consistently consuming enough carbohydrates, and being adequately hydrated, supports training needs and recovery. 

Guidelines for carbohydrate intake should be fine-tuned for each individual and depend on training intensity. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and ACSM, moderate-high intensity endurance exercise lasting 1-3 h/day may require between 6-10 g/kg/…

Shingles: Symptoms, Treatment and Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed August 2025

For many of us, chickenpox is a distant memory. But, unfortunately, this childhood illness can come back to haunt us later in life in the form of shingles.

The same virus that causes chickenpox can cause shingles, a viral infection to the nerves that results in a painful rash. About 1 in 3 people will get shingles, according to the National Institutes of Health.

After someone has been infected with chickenpox, the virus enters their nervous system and lies…

6 Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Healthcare Provider For Your Pregnancy Journey

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: you’re pregnant! With so much to do to get ready for baby — purchase a crib, choose a name, install the car seat — where should you begin?

First things first: Choosing the right provider to partner with you on this magical 40-week journey should be a top priority on your to-do list. Having a strong relationship with your obstetrician (OB) or certified nurse midwife(CNM) is important in promoting a healthy…

Juneteenth: What It Is and Why It’s Celebrated [Podcast]

Dr. Yoleetah Ilodi & Iriel Hopkins discuss Juneteenth and its importance. Listen and learn more in this episode of Healthy Vitals.

What Makes a Great Doctor - Personal Insights, Advice, and Why they Chose Medicine [Podcast]

Dr. Shanu Agarwal and resident Kortnie Broschinsky discuss their journey into healthcare.

Travel plans? Check out these tips for preventing and treating motion sickness

Have you ever walked off a boat, stepped off a rollercoaster or gotten out of a car only to feel nauseous, dizzy and otherwise awful?  That’s motion sickness.  Anyone can experience it — one in three people do in their lifetime, in fact — but it’s most common in children and pregnant women.

Typically, motion sickness occurs with any form of travel, whether by car, bus, train, airplane or boat.  Sometimes amusement rides can cause it, too.…

Get the facts on heart disease in Black women

Updated February 2025

You may have heard heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 killers in women. But did you know that cardiovascular disease, including stroke, disproportionately affects Black women?

It’s true. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 60 percent of Non-Hispanic Black women aged 20 and older have some form of cardiovascular disease. Black women have almost two times higher risk of stroke than Caucasians and are sadly more likely to…

Summa Health joins the cause to reduce racial disparity in Akron communities

With a national spotlight on racism in recent years, numerous efforts across the country are underway to help reduce racial disparity, and the city of Akron and Summa Health are jumping in to join the fight.

Last summer, the city of Akron declared racism a public health crisis and put plans in place to reduce racial disparity here at home through the newly created Racial Equity and Social Justice Taskforce. The taskforce’s mission is to build public trust by making…

Dos and Dont's to safely care for cuts and scrapes at home

Cuts from household items, such as knives, broken glass or needles, are commonplace. All it takes is a slip of the knife during meal prep or a broken glass while cleaning up and suddenly, you’re bleeding. Now what?

Immediately apply pressure on the area with a tissue, gauze pad or clean cloth to stop any bleeding. It should stop after a few minutes, so don’t remove the gauze until you’ve applied pressure for two to three minutes. Removing the cloth too soon…

Why is it so important to understand your family health history?

You may have heard someone comment on a shared feature that you have with a family member, or heard someone is the spitting image of a relative.  It’s true family members share similar looks, but they also share genes — which aren’t as easy to see. For instance, you may be unaware that you also share your great-grandmother’s increased risk for heart disease.

When it comes to your health, knowing your family’s traits that you can’t see…

5 tips for safeguarding your home against preventable accidents

When you think of home, you often think of it as your safe haven from the outside world. It’s your safe space you get to return to every night.

The sobering reality, however, is more than 50 percent of unintentional injuries happen in or around the home, according to the National Security Council (NSC). People of certain ages, especially young children and the elderly, are more susceptible to serious injury from household hazards.

The good news is many of them are…

The Importance of Knowing Your Family Health History [Podcast]

Dr. Lynn Hamrich discusses why it is important to know the health history in your family.

All About Gestational Diabetes [Podcast]

Healthy VitalsDr. Katherine Wolfe discusses gestational diabetes.

10 ways to stop and prevent nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are very common and can strike at any time. While they can look scary with blood trickling out your nose, the good news is nosebleeds are rarely serious.

But you may be wondering, what is causing this messy nuisance?

There are many reasons why you could be getting nosebleeds. The most common cause is dry air. During the winter months, dry household heat and cold, dry air outside can irritate nasal membranes and trigger nosebleeds.

Other reasons for nosebleeds can…

Finding pain relief for your autoimmune disease

Chronic, severe pain from autoimmune diseases can have a detrimental impact on your health, work and relationships. When you’re suffering from chronic pain day in and day out, it’s only natural that you become less active, antisocial, moody and find it difficult to sleep.  

Not to mention, the stress, anxiety and even depression that comes from dealing with pain can make it even worse.

Autoimmune diseases are a chronic condition in which your immune system…

Why is it so important to get your flu shot this year?

Last winter, the community took several precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. From masks and social distancing to virtual work and school to cancelled events, an unforeseen positive side effect was a less intense flu season.  

Flu cases documented during last year’s flu season were historically low by a wide margin. Medical professionals haven’t seen anything like it.  

So with many precautions still in place amidst an ongoing pandemic, you may be…

Do's and Don'ts for Campfire Safety and Burn Prevention

Updated June 2025

For many, summertime is not complete until one activity has been done—a campfire! From gooey s’mores and roasted hot dogs to sharing ghost stories, campfires are a sure-fire way to get into the summery spirit, all while surrounded by family and friends.

Unfortunately, a burn from the campfire can quickly put a damper on those summertime memories. As one of the most dangerous activities without the proper burn prevention and protocols in place,…

Summer Safety: Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke could save a life

Summer often brings some much-needed fun in the sun. But as temperatures and humidity rise, so do the dangers of heat illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600 people are killed by extreme heat every year in this country.

Infants and people aged 65 or older, especially those with chronic conditions, are most at risk for heat illness. However, it can affect anyone, even young athletes and those in good physical condition.

The good news…

African-Americans More at Risk for Heart Disease

February is Black History Month, when we recognize African-Americans and those of color who have played major roles in shaping our present culture. February is also American Heart Health month – a time to raise awareness of heart disease. While these two events are different, they are linked in healthcare. Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans, and African-Americans are 20 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites.

We do not…

Summa Doctors Address The Black Community’s Hesitancy With The COVID-19 Vaccine [Podcast]

Healthy VitalsListen to this episode of the Healthy Vitals Podcast featuring Drs. Yoleetah and George Ilodi.

Is working from home a pain in the neck — literally?

Many agree one positive that has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the work-from-home order to prevent further spread. No more long commutes and fighting traffic, more time spent with family and less interruption from chitchat around the water cooler.
 
In the United States, it’s estimated nearly 50 percent of the working population is now working at home. But as more and more companies embrace remote working for the long haul, one negative has emerged: new or…

Thyroid disease 101: Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications

The thyroid gland has an important job to do in the body. It produces thyroid hormones that help regulate metabolism and the body’s overall temperature. Metabolism is a process that turns food into energy, which is vital to keeping all of our body systems working correctly. This small, but mighty gland impacts just about every area of the body, including heart function, digestive function, muscle control, mood and brain development.
 
The thyroid gland is a small,…

Urologic cancers 101: Be in the know so you can catch it early

Bladder cancer is the most common urologic cancer in both men and women. Each year, about 57,000 men and 18,000 women are diagnosed with the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But, urologic cancers don’t only affect the bladder. They also can affect the kidneys, ureter (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), urethra, and specifically in men, the penis, prostate and testicles.

In fact, the CDC states prostate…

Cold feet: Common winter foot problems and ways to avoid them

Winter is upon us — freezing temperatures, snow flurries and whipping winds — and we all know what that means. It’s time to bust out our heavy, winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves to keep us warm on these frigid days. But, don’t forget about your feet, too. It’s important to always wear winter shoes and boots to protect them against the harsh elements.

Lower temperatures can be hard on your extremities, especially your feet. Exposure to cold air causes the body to slow…

Family preparedness: How to help keep your loved ones safe if disaster strikes

Planning ahead of time for disaster—whether it’s natural or manmade—is the best protection for you and your family. From house fires to infectious disease outbreaks to tornadoes, disasters unfortunately can and do happen—striking at any time, with little to no notice. 

Unfortunately, only about 39 percent of people have developed an emergency plan on what to do as a family if something goes wrong, according to the Centers for Disease Control and…

6 reasons why your wound won't heal

You know the saying, “Time heals all wounds.”? Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true. Chronic wounds can linger for weeks, even months, and in many cases don’t heal without medical intervention. 

A wound is considered chronic if it has not healed significantly in four weeks or completely in eight weeks. If you’re suffering from a wound or sore that isn’t showing any signs of healing, talk to your doctor. If left untreated, chronic…

Get the Facts on Cyberchondria

Suddenly, you wake up in the middle of the night with a bellyache. It starts off as a dull pain, but then quickly intensifies and seems to move down your torso. So, you immediately jump on your computer or phone to search for various conditions you could be suffering from. Could it be a stomach virus, or maybe an ulcer or worse yet, stomach cancer?

If this sounds familiar, you may be suffering from cyberchondria. It’s a hybrid term for cyberspace and hypochondria (now…

Hand Washing Do's and Don'ts

One of the best and most effective ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others is by washing your hands properly and often. It doesn’t take much time or effort and offers a very effective means of preventing the spread of illnesses ranging from viruses like cold and flu to other bacteria or viruses. As you touch people, surfaces and objects throughout the day, you gather germs on your hands. You can infect yourself with these germs by touching your face;…

7 Serious Health Concerns Affecting African Americans

Updated April 2025 by Shivonne Suttles, M.D.

According to the CDC, the death rate for African Americans has declined more than 25 percent over the past 17 years, especially for those 65-years and older. However, new research shows younger African Americans are living with or dying from diseases most often found in Caucasians much later in life.

The African American community should be aware of a few serious health concerns that statistically affect them at higher rates. If you…

6 Questions You Should Be Asking Your PCP

Your primary care provider (PCP) should be your partner in ensuring you are your best and healthiest self, which is why it is so important to have a strong and communicative relationship with them. When you meet with your PCP for a checkup or an annual visit, the provider typically has a limited amount of time they can spend with you, so it’s important you go in prepared with a list of questions to get the most out of your appointment. Here are a few questions you…

A Guide to Your Health in the Heat - UV Index and Air Quality Index Explained

We’re in the depths of summer heat, and as the heat rises, so does the threat of air pollution and the dangers of UV rays. Globally, extreme temperature events are increasing in frequency, duration and magnitude, which means it will become even more important to protect yourself and your family’s health from rising temperatures and extreme heat. 

While there are many factors to keep an eye on as temperatures rise, there are two numbers right within your local…

Common Summertime Hazards to Avoid

Summer’s finally here and we’re all about having fun in the sun – but with the heat, summer often brings along some bumps and bruises. Here are a few tips on how to avoid common summer hazards so you can keep the good times rolling.

Mosquito Bites:

Those itchy little bites can be more than just annoying – mosquitos can carry diseases like West Nile virus. Travel is common in the summer and mosquito bites in other areas of North America can also put you…

7 Everyday Items that Increase Sun Sensitivity

Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in the US and with summer sun on the horizon, proper protection should be priority number one. While you should practice sun safety year round, you should monitor your sun exposure closer during these longer, hotter days.

Sunscreen, long sleeves and a hat are the easiest ways to protect your skin, but did you know there are common everyday items that could increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun?

5 Types of Integrative Medicine You Can Do at Home

Yearly visits to your primary care physician are an important part of a healthy lifestyle plan. Another form of care known as integrative medicine should be an additional resource you consider when building a complete lifestyle plan. Sometimes confused with other treatment options like complementary or alternative, integrative medicine puts the patient at the center of both physical and mental health by expanding treatment options. However, all three of these terms refer to different types of care.

Hispanics and diabetes: Are you at a higher risk for developing diabetic wounds?

Type 2 diabetes is at an all-time high in the United States. One of three types of diabetes - a disease that causes your blood glucose levels to rise higher than normal - type 2 has a direct correlation with your choices in diet and the amount of physical activity you do on a regular basis.

Did you know that the CDC estimates 40 percent of all US adults have type 2 diabetes? Another staggering statistic: 50 percent of all U.S. Hispanics will develop this disease and they are twice as likely to die from it. More than 30 million Americans have diabetes and 1 in 4 don’t even know they have it.

Battling Bladder Control: Male and Female Incontinence

Normally associated more with females than males, urinary incontinence affects at least 25 million Americans each year. And while 75 percent are female, the issue can affect any person, at any age.

Interesting fact: Incontinence is not a disease, it is always a symptom or cause of something else. There are at least 4 different types of incontinence and a host of causes and issues that can cause bladder leakage.

4 Questions to Ask Your Primary Care Physician When Prescribed New Medication

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 25 percent of new prescriptions are never filled at the pharmacy. Even more staggering is the fact that medication is not taken as prescribed up to 50 percent of the time. Before your primary care physician (PCP) prescribes any medication, we review all medical history, possible allergies and evaluate and treat the cause for your visit.

There are many different reasons a PCP may prescribe new medication:

  • A…

The Power of Vitamin D

You may have heard of the health benefits of vitamin D in the fight against the common cold.

A British investigation published in February 2017 concluded that taking vitamin D supplements can help protect against respiratory infections like colds, bronchitis and pneumonia. The researchers looked at data from 25 clinical trials involving some 11,000 patients from 14 countries and found a significant but modest benefit. These results occurred mostly among those…

[{"RootId":"ba198066-3078-4dcd-8e69-28251bebb940","RootUrl":"/glossary/"}]

Options to Request an Appointment

If your situation is an emergency, call 911.