PROJECT SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a public high school that is part of the Ingham ISD school district, located in East Lansing, MI with about 9 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. With about 2 teachers, Project SEARCH has a student/teacher ratio of about 4:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Project SEARCH, located at 735 E. Shaw Lane in East Lansing, Michigan, is not a traditional academic school, but rather a unique, business-led internship program designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Operating in partnership with Michigan State University, the program focuses on providing immersive, real-world work experience. Participants spend their school year embedded in the university environment, rotating through various departments to learn transferable job skills, workplace etiquette, and professional responsibilities in a fully integrated setting.

The core mission of Project SEARCH is to facilitate a successful transition from education to long-term, competitive employment. Rather than a classroom-based curriculum, the program utilizes a "hands-on" approach where students work alongside mentors to master specific tasks, gain confidence, and build a resume. By the end of the program, participants are typically prepared to secure meaningful, integrated employment within the local community, having gained both the technical skills and the social-emotional independence necessary for professional success.

For more information, contact Project SEARCH at (517) 244-1263 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.