Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement* (PSAE) is a 10-month internship program targeted at young adults ages 18 to 28 with a goal of competitive employment.
This work-readiness program takes place in White Plains on NewYork-Presbyterian Behavioral Health Center campus, where total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills.
This program is an OPWDD community-based prevocational service and runs Monday-Friday, from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm., from September through June. During these ten months, PSAE Interns can expect to:
- Work with a team comprised of the family, PSAE instructors/coaches, supervisors, and mentors
- Participate in 600 hours of internships in a variety of positions
- Acquire 300 training-room hours on competitive, transferable, and marketable job skills
The hallmarks of Project SEARCH are total workplace immersion and a singular goal of competitive employment for every program graduate. As interns prepare to graduate from the program, they begin working with The Arc Westchester’s Supported Employment Department. Interns transition from working with PSAE program staff to The Arc Westchester’s Supported Employment Department to obtain meaningful employment.
Applying to PSAE:
This program follows a time-sensitive application and screening process. In January and February, Information Sessions are offered regarding the program and application process for the upcoming September cohort. Please visit our contact page to learn more about the program or request to be added to the program interest list.
History:
Project SEARCH started as a single program site in the United States in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and is now an internationally recognized employer-driven model with over 240 sites. Autism Enhancement refers to a supplemental curriculum to the program, developed as a collaboration between NEXT for AUTISM and The Arc Westchester using the UNC TEACCH methodologies to address the needs of individuals with ASD specifically.
*PSAE was developed as a collaboration between The Arc Westchester and NEXT for AUTISM, in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center and Center for Autism & the Developing Brain
For more information, please visit our contact page.