Mercy Health is proud to welcome a new class of interns participating in the nationally recognized Project SEARCH program and the LIFE Transitions program as they begin the 2026-2027 school year.
Through these innovative workforce development programs, students and young adults with disabilities have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real healthcare environment while building the skills, confidence and independence needed for future employment.
Project SEARCH has been a valued program at Mercy Health - Springfield Regional Medical Center since 2011, helping participants transition successfully from school to work through immersive internship experiences. Its new class of interns began at the hospital on August 19th.
LIFE Transitions, a partnership focused on developing life skills and workplace readiness, began its second year at Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital on September 1st. It also provides students with opportunities to strengthen their independence, social skills and professional capabilities through structured learning experiences in the hospital setting.
Throughout the school year, interns from both programs rotate through a variety of departments across the hospital setting, assisting with meaningful workplace tasks while learning professional expectations and developing practical job skills. Interns will be supported by department staff.
"Both Project SEARCH and LIFE Transitions provide invaluable opportunities for interns to learn in a supportive, real-world environment," said Brooke Martinez, Director of Volunteer and Auxiliary Services for Mercy Health - Springfield. "Whether they're building workplace skills, increasing their independence or exploring future career paths, these interns are gaining experiences that can have a lasting impact on their lives.
While each program offers a unique approach, both share a common goal: preparing participants for meaningful employment and greater independence. Through daily interactions with staff, exposure to professional workplace environments and hands-on learning opportunities, interns develop communication skills, professionalism, problem-solving abilities and self-confidence.
Together, Project SEARCH and LIFE Transitions reflect Mercy Health's commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves by creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to learn, grow and achieve their goals.
"These programs are about more than workforce development," Martinez said. "They are about inclusion, opportunity and helping people recognize their potential. We're honored to play a role in supporting these students as they prepare for the future."
Through these innovative workforce development programs, students and young adults with disabilities have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real healthcare environment while building the skills, confidence and independence needed for future employment.
Project SEARCH has been a valued program at Mercy Health - Springfield Regional Medical Center since 2011, helping participants transition successfully from school to work through immersive internship experiences. Its new class of interns began at the hospital on August 19th.
LIFE Transitions, a partnership focused on developing life skills and workplace readiness, began its second year at Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital on September 1st. It also provides students with opportunities to strengthen their independence, social skills and professional capabilities through structured learning experiences in the hospital setting.
Throughout the school year, interns from both programs rotate through a variety of departments across the hospital setting, assisting with meaningful workplace tasks while learning professional expectations and developing practical job skills. Interns will be supported by department staff.
"Both Project SEARCH and LIFE Transitions provide invaluable opportunities for interns to learn in a supportive, real-world environment," said Brooke Martinez, Director of Volunteer and Auxiliary Services for Mercy Health - Springfield. "Whether they're building workplace skills, increasing their independence or exploring future career paths, these interns are gaining experiences that can have a lasting impact on their lives.
While each program offers a unique approach, both share a common goal: preparing participants for meaningful employment and greater independence. Through daily interactions with staff, exposure to professional workplace environments and hands-on learning opportunities, interns develop communication skills, professionalism, problem-solving abilities and self-confidence.
Together, Project SEARCH and LIFE Transitions reflect Mercy Health's commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves by creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to learn, grow and achieve their goals.
"These programs are about more than workforce development," Martinez said. "They are about inclusion, opportunity and helping people recognize their potential. We're honored to play a role in supporting these students as they prepare for the future."