Project SEARCH

About the Program

Through a partnership with The PLUS Company in Nashua, New Hampshire, we proudly rotate Project SEARCH interns through various departments across the hospital. Over the course of one year, students have the opportunity to develop vocational skills necessary to be members of the workforce.

The Power of Partnership: St. Joseph Hospital and The PLUS Company’s Project SEARCH Program

At St. Joseph Hospital, we believe in the strength of community and the transformative impact of collaboration. Our partnership with The PLUS Company’s Project SEARCH program, based in Nashua, New Hampshire, is a shining example of how working together can create meaningful opportunities and empower individuals to achieve their full potential.

What is Project SEARCH?

Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized, innovative employment training program designed to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries to gain the skills and confidence needed for competitive employment. Established in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the program has grown to over 400 sites worldwide, with the Nashua program, launched in 2009, being the first of its kind in New England. Through a seamless blend of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on job training, Project SEARCH prepares participants for meaningful careers in various industries, including healthcare and hospitality.

A Collaborative Commitment to Empowerment

Since 2009, St. Joseph Hospital has proudly partnered with The PLUS Company to host Project SEARCH interns, providing them with real-world work experience across various hospital departments. Over the course of a 10-month program, interns participate in three 10-week rotations in areas such as Environmental Services, Diagnostic Imaging, Surgical Services, Infection Prevention, Materials Management, EKG, Mail Room, Food Services, Sanitary Services, Transport, and Patient/Nursing Floor Support. This diverse exposure equips interns with transferable skills that open doors to career opportunities both within healthcare and beyond.

Why This Partnership Matters

The partnership between St. Joseph Hospital and The PLUS Company’s Project SEARCH program is more than just a training initiative – it’s a commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and community impact. Here’s why this collaboration is so vital:

  1. Empowering Individuals: Project SEARCH provides interns with the opportunity to develop vocational skills, build confidence, and explore diverse career paths. At St. Joseph Hospital, participants gain hands-on experience that prepares them for competitive employment. The program boasts an impressive 91% job placement rate upon graduation, demonstrating its effectiveness in transforming lives.
  2. Strengthening Our Workforce: By integrating Project SEARCH interns into our hospital, we cultivate a diverse and talented workforce. Interns bring enthusiasm, dedication, and unique perspectives, enriching our teams and enhancing the patient experience. As one leader noted, “Interns rapidly become a part of the team, and the ‘St. Joseph family,’” fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
  3. Enhancing Community Connection: This partnership reflects St. Joseph Hospital’s mission to serve the whole person and strengthen our community. By investing in the development of individuals with disabilities, we promote inclusion and equity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. The program also aligns with our commitment to compassion, collaboration, and excellence.

Looking Ahead

As we continue this partnership, St. Joseph Hospital remains committed to expanding opportunities for Project SEARCH interns and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. With a legacy of over 100 years of compassionate care, we are proud to support a program that aligns with our values of respect, integrity, and community collaboration.

Join us in celebrating the power of partnership and the incredible impact of The PLUS Company’s Project SEARCH program at St. Joseph Hospital. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for our community.


Contact Us
To learn more about Project SEARCH or how you can support this transformative program, contact The PLUS Company at (603) 889-0652. For more information about St. Joseph Hospital’s community initiatives, visit stjosephhospital.com.


This partnership is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to uplift and empower every member of our community. At St. Joseph Hospital, we are proud to be part of this journey.

603-882-3000