NASHUA, N.H. – St. Joseph Hospital and The PLUS Company proudly celebrated the graduation of the 18th Project SEARCH class on June 11, 2026, honoring six students who successfully completed the year-long internship and career development program. Family members, friends, mentors, hospital staff, and community partners gathered to recognize the graduates’ accomplishments and celebrate this important milestone.
Graduates of the Class of 2026 include:
- Jaiden Figueroa
- Lex Flindt
- Lillian Lundberg
- Victoria Scott
- Heather Stone
- James White, Jr.
Class of 2026 Project SEARCH graduating class; left to right:
Victoria Scott, Lillian Lundberg, Heather Scott, Lex Flint, Jaiden Figueroa, and James White, Jr
The commencement address was delivered by John A. Jurczyk, FACHE, President of St. Joseph Hospital and Senior Vice President of Covenant Health, while closing remarks were provided by Kim Shottes, Executive Director of The PLUS Company, Inc.
Project SEARCH is an innovative transition-to-work program that prepares participants for competitive employment through a unique combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on workplace training. Founded in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the program has expanded to more than 400 sites worldwide. The Nashua program, launched in 2009 through a partnership between St. Joseph Hospital and The PLUS Company, was the first Project SEARCH site in New England.
Throughout the program, interns complete three 10-week rotations in various departments throughout St. Joseph Hospital. Rotations may include Environmental Services, Diagnostic Imaging, Surgical Services, Materials Management, Mail Room, Food Services, Volunteer Services, Endoscopy, and Patient/Nursing Floor Support. This immersive experience allows students to develop vocational skills, build confidence, and gain practical work experience in a professional healthcare setting.
“The success of Project SEARCH demonstrates what is possible when organizations come together to create meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities,” said John A. Jurczyk, President of St. Joseph Hospital. “These graduates have shown dedication, perseverance, and tremendous growth throughout the year. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the bright futures that lie ahead.”
John Jurczyk, FACHE, President, St. Hospital, presents Project SEARCH diploma to Jaiden Figueroa.
The success of the Class of 2026 reflects the effectiveness of the Project SEARCH model. Two graduates have already secured employment opportunities, while the remaining graduates are actively interviewing and pursuing career opportunities with the support of Project SEARCH staff and community partners. Nationally, Project SEARCH maintains an employment placement rate of more than 90 percent, helping participants secure meaningful careers across a variety of industries.
“Today’s graduation is a celebration of determination, growth, and achievement,” said Kim Shottes, Executive Director of The PLUS Company, Inc. “These graduates have worked hard throughout the year to develop workplace skills, build confidence, and prepare for employment. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see what comes next for each of them.”
For 18 years, the partnership between St. Joseph Hospital and The PLUS Company has created opportunities for individuals to gain valuable employment experience while fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.
The graduation of the Class of 2026 marks an important milestone, bringing the total number of Project SEARCH graduates at St. Joseph Hospital to 166 since the program’s launch in 2009. This longstanding collaboration reflects St. Joseph Hospital’s commitment to serving the whole person and strengthening the community. By investing in opportunities that promote workforce development and independence, St. Joseph Hospital and The PLUS Company continue to build a more inclusive workforce and a brighter future for the Greater Nashua region.
All smiles during Project SEARCH graduation; left to right: Lillian Lundberg, Victoria Scott, and Heather Stone