Atlanta, Ga. (November 18, 2024) – Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools (APS), has welcomed its first full cohort of four interns through Project SEARCH, a program that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities transition from high school into the workforce. 

To participate, students must have met high school graduation requirements and be at least 18 years old. As part of Project SEARCH, dedicated aides from APS join the students during their shifts and partner with their manager at Piedmont Atlanta on training and overseeing the students.

"We are thrilled to take part in this important initiative that will help foster an inclusive work environment at Piedmont Atlanta," said Lynn Walton, executive director of operations at Piedmont Atlanta. "There is no shortage of opportunity for people with all different skill sets to meaningfully contribute here. This is a win for us, for the students and for our community."

The program runs from September through May. A shorter trial term took place in the spring.  The ultimate goal is to hire the interns after successful completion of the program. One intern who participated in the spring trial period has just accepted a position in the Dietary department at Piedmont Atlanta. Jack Kidd works Monday through Friday cleaning the dining area of the cafeteria at Piedmont Atlanta and re-stocking drinks and other grab-and-go items.

“Jack always has a big smile on his face. He is so happy to be here and we are happy to have him,” said Bryan Hansen, director of Dietary Services at Piedmont Atlanta.