Before receiving her diploma in June, Mary Pham had already begun working as a caregiver in the linens department at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. Her path to employment was supported through Everett Public Schools’ (EPS) Project SEARCH program.
Project SEARCH, an international nonprofit, challenges traditional expectations and “empowers young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve competitive employment.”
The transition program launched in Everett in 2019 and has helped dozens of 18 to 22 year olds with disabilities secure jobs. It’s a partnership between EPS, Providence Swedish, Work Opportunities, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation), and Snohomish County (Developmental Disabilities).
The program teaches students the skills they need to successfully transition from school to employment, including time management, professionalism, reliability, independence, communication skills, problem solving, and interviewing techniques.
Students join the program and work three internships over the course of nine months.
Pham entered Project SEARCH in September 2024. Her first internship was in sterile processing, her second in linens, where she ultimately stayed because she accepted a paid position with the department. Now, she stocks linens, including scrubs, blankets, and other items, on the surgery and recovery floors at the hospital.
“During her time in Project SEARCH, [Pham’s] confidence and independence grew through the roof,” Project SEARCH instructor Philip Smidt said. “She was able to do much more than she thought she could, and her internship became a working resume. That caught the attention of her department and led to her earning a paid position.”
This is Smidt’s 29th school year working in special education and while he says teaching outside of a school building may not be for everyone, the job fits him like a glove.
“Students show up at the start of the year kind of quiet and intimidated, not really understanding why they are at a hospital in this program. As the days and weeks go by, they begin to experience more success as they work alongside Providence staff in departments doing meaningful work,” Smidt said. “They grow in confidence, skill development, and begin to see they can work a paid job just like everyone else. One of the most important parts of this program is that they get to do actual work in an actual workplace with actual employees and co-workers.”
Project SEARCH fosters an environment of high expectations, grounded in the belief that people with disabilities deserve access to both quality education and meaningful employment.
“Project SEARCH is such vital program for the students and our workforce,” Raegan Fisher, senior manager volunteer services, Providence Swedish North Puget Sound, said. “While the program supports students in their goals of independence, it also changes the narrative of those who believe people with disabilities are incapable of more complex and long-term jobs.”
Fisher said one of the best parts of Project SEARCH is helping parents see how capable their children can be.
“I have worked with parents that are certain their student cannot perform tasks required of the internship, like counting money and making change, filling and delivering orders from supply chain, and changing filters or setting up trays in sterile processing,” she said. “Time and time again these students rise to the challenge and thrive disproving misconceptions about their abilities."
Pham was working at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett on her graduation day in June, but that didn’t stop her from attending the celebration. Using the skills she learned through another EPS transition program, Gaining Ownership of Adult Life, and Project SEARCH, she rode a city bus to the Community Resource Center to receive her diploma. During the celebration, Pham spoke about how the program helped her succeed.
“I improved my communication by speaking more clearly with a louder voice,” she said. “Earlier this year, I started to stutter and had a soft voice, but now I speak more slowly, clearly, and loudly so my coworkers can understand me better.”
Many would attest to Pham’s growth throughout her time in Project SEARCH, including her job coach.
“With each internship, her confidence continued to build, and she consistently met and exceeded our expectations,” Denice Walters, employment specialist with Work Opportunities, said. “It’s been wonderful to see how proud she is of her progress and how clearly she recognizes her own strengths and the value she brings to the hospital team.”
Project SEARCH aims for 75% of students to secure employment by the end of the program. With eight to 10 students participating each year, Everett has exceeded that goal, maintaining a rate closer to 85%.
“Every year, watching how far they come in nine months and then experiencing and sharing that success with everyone involved has been the most rewarding part of my teaching career,” Smidt said.
Six months later, Pham looks back on her journey and reflects on how far she has come.
“Project SEARCH really helped me a lot. Before I started, I was pretty shy and didn’t talk much. Now I feel a lot more confident,” Pham said. “I would recommend Project SEARCH to other students because it can help them build confidence and find their passion.”
