Project SEARCH Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative is in partnership with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services along with several businesses throughout the state. Those businesses that host the various internships 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 provide an on-site internship for qualifying applicants. Interns will participate in a 9-month internship program that will consist of three 10-week rotations within the hospital setting. Individuals participating in the program should be between the ages of 18-35, have finished high school (or is scheduled to graduate at the end of the current school year), qualify for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and live anywhere within the state of Arkansas.

We work with young adults of all ability levels. No basic academic skills are required. All of our young adults have different skill sets and abilities. Our program offers a wide variety of internships from entry-level to very complex. We work with each young adult to match their need and ability levels.

Who’s a fit for Project SEARCH?

• Individuals between the ages of 18-35, who have a diagnosed disability.
• Young adults with a high school diploma, GED, or certificate of completion.
• Individuals with a desire to work.
• A willingness to work on social, communication, and employability skills and take direction from staff and co-workers.
• Individuals who have the ability to gain independence within the workplace.

Lastly, interested individuals must demonstrate independent personal hygiene and grooming skills, have appropriate behavior, and be able to get around the host business site independently. Applicants must be nicotine-free 90 days prior to the start of the program and must remain nicotine-free throughout the program. If accepted, the applicant must have reliable transportation to and from the host business site and must have an open case with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS).  If the applicant does not already have an open case with ARS, 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 with detailed entrance criteria and information regarding the next step.