The NIH Clinical Center (CC), a 240-bed hospital dedicated to clinical research, launched its Project SEARCH program in 2010. Leadership and staff welcomed the 12 interns to their teams, epitomizing that the Clinical Center has always considered itself a house of hope where diversity is not only celebrated but also considered a great asset.
After completing a 30-week unpaid internship, all 12 interns graduated from the Project SEARCH program with new skills, abilities, experiences, and confidence.
Eight of the graduates also received permanent positions at CC.
In 2011, Project SEARCH expanded NIH-wide to 10 interns at seven Institutes and Centers across the campus.
Because of CC’s commitment and success, it was chosen as the 2011 Employer of the Year by Maryland Works, Inc., for its 2010 pilot NIH-Project SEARCH program. Maryland Works, Inc., is a statewide membership association that advocates for increasing employment and business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment.
On Oct. 18, 2011, CC also earned the Employer Leadership Award from the Maryland State Department of Education for “remarkable leadership in promoting the employment, independence, and economic self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities."