The City of Peterborough Launches Project SEARCH Internship Program

The City of Peterborough celebrated the official launch of Project SEARCH at the Peterborough Public Library on Friday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

This internationally recognized internship program offers transition-to-work opportunities for program participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“This program offers the City of Peterborough the opportunity to lead as an inclusive employer by removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities and helping implement the employment priorities of the  2024-2028 Accessibility Plan,” said Reem Ali, The City of Peterborough’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor. “The City is very proud to serve as the host business for Project SEARCH and honoured to be working with community partners on this unique initiative.”

According to the City, it offers individuals a unique, business-led employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace for one academic year. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job search and placement. 

The program is a partnership between the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board, Fleming College’s Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services and the City of Peterborough.  

“PVNC Catholic is excited to be working in partnership with the City of Peterborough and Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services on the first Project SEARCH site in this area. Project SEARCH provides our students with special education needs a vital, hands-on bridge from the classroom to competitive employment,” said Karen Spenceley, PVNC principal special education servicesc. “By fully immersing them in a real business environment, they gain marketable job skills, professional confidence, and real-world experience that dramatically increases their ability to secure meaningful careers after graduation. We are not just educating students; we are launching future skilled employees.”

“Fleming College is pleased to support Project SEARCH, working with our community partners to ensure that participants receive the employment supports necessary for a successful transition into meaningful and sustainable work,” said Joanne Spicer, Fleming College associate vice president, student experience. 

As the host organization, the City is offering workplace immersion opportunities for six interns through three rotating placements during the 2025-26 school year. 

Interns will be working in several City departments, including People and Culture, Children’s Services, Environmental Services, Cultural Services, Recreation Services, Peterborough Public Library, Art Gallery of Peterborough, and the Riverview Park and Zoo. Peterborough Transit will be providing interns with free public transportation during their internship. 

Project SEARCH began at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre and is a fully supported licensed program that runs in over 750 sites in 10 countries, with a 70% success rate of interns obtaining employment following graduation.  

The Ministry of Education has provided funding for this program. Project SEARCH staff are providing ongoing support. 

“There are more than 25 training locations in Ontario benefiting both students and businesses,” said Carolyn McDougall, Project SEARCH. “Thanks to this collaboration, I’m excited that now Peterborough-area students can train using the effective Project SEARCH model for employment.”

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