
2022-2023

Complete
program
program

Employed
(All Jobs)
(All Jobs)

Employed
(Model Criteria)
(Model Criteria)
Our Founders

Our Founders
Project SEARCH originated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 1996, initiated by Erin Riehle, then the Emergency Department Director. Recognizing the need for employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, she sought to train them for entry-level positions in her department.

Partnering with Susie Rutkowski, the special education director at Great Oaks Career Campuses, they launched Project SEARCH. Since then, the program has expanded from a single site to an international network, focusing on securing competitive employment for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our Team
Our Book
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High School Transition that Works: Lessons Learned from Project SEARCH®
Maryellen Daston, Ph.D., J. Erin Riehle, M.S.N., & Susie Rutkowski, M.A. (Foreword by Paul Wehman, Ph.D.)
Cintas Continues SEARCHing for the Right Talent
An inclusive workplace culture thrives at our Cintas’ Little Rock, Arkansas rental location, thanks to the partnership with Project SEARCH. This collaboration has provided internships and jobs for young adults with developmental disabilities, allowing Cintas to tap into their talent and drive. As Mathew Hoppis, General Manager, notes, this initiative has led to zero turnover among Project SEARCH hires over the past five years, enhancing the company’s culture and community outreach while fostering success for all involved.