Photo by Richard Hurd
Applications Now Being Accepted for MMSD’s Project SEARCH 2026–27 Internship Program
MADISON, Wis.—Applications are now open for the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) 2026–27 Project SEARCH high school transition-to-work internship program. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Project SEARCH is a one-year, immersive internship program for young adults ages 18–21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants gain hands-on work experience at a host business while receiving classroom instruction and on-site job coaching, with the goal of securing competitive, integrated employment.
“Project SEARCH is about preparing young adults for real jobs in real workplaces,” said Jason Penticoff, the program’s lead. “By the end of the year, interns leave with practical experience, stronger confidence, and a clearer sense of what they can contribute to the workforce.”
Interns rotate through multiple departments in a hospital setting, building job skills, communication abilities and workplace behaviors. Instruction focuses on employability skills such as teamwork, time management, problem-solving and independence. Support is provided by an MMSD teacher, job coaches and vocational rehabilitation services.
“Before Project SEARCH, I wasn’t sure what kind of job I wanted or what I was good at,” said Jayden F., East High School student and current Project SEARCH intern. “Now I feel more confident at work, I’ve learned how to talk with coworkers, and I can see myself having a real job after the program.”
Since launching in 2008, MMSD’s Project SEARCH has helped more than 100 interns secure competitive employment across Dane County. Statewide, the program has provided workforce training to more than 2,000 Wisconsin residents. Participants must be eligible for services with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Each year, the Madison program accepts 10–12 students who demonstrate success in a work environment and are able to participate in unpaid training in a hospital setting.
Project SEARCH Madison is a partnership between MMSD, MARC and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The program is hosted by UW Health and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.
Interested applicants and their families are encouraged to visit the MMSD website for more information, including a link to apply.
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About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.