Project SEARCH Pembroke staff Sara Ward, RCDSB, Jenn Hawes, CLUOV, and Bailey Kehoe, PRH, with 2025-2026 Interns
Renfrew County’s public school board is taking a new approach to help youth with disabilities enter the workforce.
The Renfrew County District School Board has partnered with the Pembroke Regional Hospital, the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre, and Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley to introduce Project SEARCH, an internationally recognized employment training program that helps overcome barriers to competitive employment.
Angela McGregor-Stewart, RCDSB Specialized Services Principal, says five students in their final year of high school have already begun a 10-month workplace immersion at Pembroke Regional Hospital, earning “meaningful, hands-on workplace experiences that bridge the gap between school and employment” as they also take in classroom instruction on employability and life skills.
She explains that the program is “empowering them to build stronger skills, confidence, and independence needed for successful transitions into paid employment.
CLUOV Skills Trainer Jenn Hawes adds that “from the first day to now, the interns have grown a remarkable amount by learning new skills and completing tasks, all while gaining confidence.”
The RCSDB is already looking at placements for the 2026-27 program, with interested families invited to attend a series of virtual information sessions on December 1st and March 25th.
(written by Kasey Egan)
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- Ethan, Project SEARCH intern, hard at work in inpatient rehabilitation, sanitizing equipment for future patient use.
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- Project SEARCH intern, Erin, working with the Maintenance department to keep the plants blooming
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- Materials Management department intern working to bag and package COVID testing kits
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- Perioperative Services intern, Zane, making patient appointment reminder calls and attending to clerical duties.
