Project SEARCH Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative is proud to partner with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and a variety of businesses across the state. These dedicated businesses serve as host sites for our internship programs, helping young adults with disabilities gain hands-on experience and build skills for the workforce. Businesses include:

• The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, both located in Little Rock
• CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs
• Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden
• St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro
• Mercy Fort Smith in Fort Smith, AR
• The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
• Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale

These sites offer on-site internships for qualifying applicants through a 9-month program consisting of three 10-week rotations within the business. To be eligible, individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 35, have completed high school (or be scheduled to graduate at the end of the current school year), qualify for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and reside anywhere in the state of Arkansas.

We welcome young adults of all ability levels—no basic academic skills are required. Each intern brings a unique set of strengths and abilities, and our program reflects that diversity by offering a wide range of internship opportunities, from entry-level roles to more complex positions. We work closely with each participant to match them with rotations that fit their individual needs and skill sets.

Who’s a Fit for Project SEARCH?
Individuals who meet the following criteria are a great fit for our program:

• Between the ages of 18–35
• Have a diagnosed disability
• Hold a high school diploma, GED, or certificate of completion
• Have a desire to work and gain real-world experience
• Are willing to work on social, communication, and employability skills
• Can take direction from staff and coworkers
• Have the potential to gain independence within the workplace

Interested individuals must demonstrate independent personal hygiene and grooming skills, exhibit appropriate behavior, and be able to navigate the host business site independently. Applicants are required to be nicotine-free for at least 90 days before the start of the program and must remain nicotine-free throughout their participation. Additionally, reliable transportation to and from the host site is necessary. Applicants must have an open case with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS); if they do not already have one, they will need to begin the process by calling 1-800-330-0632 or 501-296-1600. Once your application is received, you will be mailed a letter containing detailed entrance criteria and information about the next steps in the process.