Project SEARCH

What is Project SEARCH?

Project SEARCH is a nine to 12-month program through the State of Wisconsin-Department of Workforce Development (DWD) that provides training and education leading to competitive employment for youth and young adults with disabilities. Project SEARCH is a collaboration that includes a local business, school district(s), and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). All partners are vital to the success of the program.

Visit the Project SEARCH website here.

View the Project SEARCH informational flyer here.

DSAW is the service provider for Project SEARCH at The Marquardt in Watertown.

The program takes place at The Marquardt* in Watertown where total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills. Interns participate in three unpaid internships to explore a variety of career paths.

The interns begin their day learning employability skills in a training center at The Marquardt of Watertown. After morning instruction, the interns move to their internship at The Marquardt where they spend approximately five hours. At the end of the day, the interns return to the training room to reflect on their day, discuss challenges, and evaluate progress. The goal of Project SEARCH is competitive employment for each student intern. 

*Note: This Project SEARCH site is located at a nursing home where it is required that all employees, including Project SEARCH interns, are required to have the first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. No exceptions.

The Marquardt is located at: 1045 Hill Street, Watertown, WI 53098

To sign up for this program (age 18-21), click here.

To sign up for this program (ages 22+), click here.

Questions? Please contact: Tracy Widiker, Project SEARCH Instructor, Watertown Unified School District, at 920-245-5166 or email: widikert@mywusd.org.