THOMASTON, Ga., Sept. 17, 2026 — Project SEARCH Class of 2026-2027 began their internship program at Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) this fall. Hosted at URMC in partnership with Thomaston-Upson Schools, Project SEARCH is a unique school-to-work transition program that offers both students and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a series of internships in various departments throughout the hospital.
The 2026-2027 Project SEARCH interns are Javontae Hall, Audey Norris, Tirpp Pollard and Jarvis Willis. They are currently learning on-the-job skills in Human Resources (HR), Auxiliary, Wound Healing Center, and The Wellness Center and Nourishments. These participants will complete three internship rotations within URMC for employment readiness and career exploration.
URMC is a proud supporter of Project SEARCH and Thomaston-Upson Schools because of the shared vision of equipping students and young adults for success. This program is another way the hospital is fulfilling its purpose to the community: Excellent Care Rooted in Compassion for All. The skills learned while interning at URMC are transferable to various businesses and industries within Thomaston and surrounding communities. Graduates have found employment as cashiers, utility aids, file clerks, cart attendants, baggers and stockers, and bakery workers.
“Project SEARCH is a valuable resource to not only give the interns real life work skills but also as a recruitment source for URMC,” said URMC HR Director Laura Stokes. “The interns have proven to be eager to work, quick to learn and a strong part of the URMC team. I am excited to see the progress of the current interns through the year.”
Project SEARCH is an innovative, total immersion program that defies traditional expectations and empowers young adults to secure competitive employment. This national program focuses on serving young adults who can benefit from personalized support during an intensive academic year of career development and internship experience.
“Project SEARCH is more than a program,” stated Project SEARCH Instructor Wanda Thompson of Thomaston-Upson Schools. “It’s a pathway to confidence, purpose and meaningful employment for the incredible young adults we serve. Every day, our interns show us what’s possible when opportunity, support and determination come together. Project SEARCH is changing lives and building brighter futures.”
Originally started as a single program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 1996, Project SEARCH has grown into a national, comprehensive work-study program. Through a unique combination of classroom instruction covering employability curriculum, hands-on training in the workplace and individualized skill building, Project SEARCH has given its young adult interns job readiness. In the decades since its inception, Project SEARCH has helped over 55,000 young people across the country develop the skills and confidence they need for success in the job force.
To take part in Project SEARCH, participants much be 17 years old or older. For students currently enrolled in Thomaston-Upson Schools, they must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and be recommended by their teacher or school counselor. Young adults interested in the program must have had an IEP while they were enrolled in Thomaston-Upson Schools. All prospective interns must complete a skills assessment to be considered for the program.
Questions about Project SEARCH can be directed to URMC’s HR Department at humanresourcesdepartment@urmc.org.