Learning by doing: Project SEARCH begins second year in Weirton

Six Hancock County seniors to grow through partnership with WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center

WEIRTON -- A new class of students is searching for opportunity as part of a partnership between Hancock County Schools and WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center.

The Project SEARCH program in Weirton celebrated the beginning of its second year Monday, welcoming six high school seniors -- five from Weir High and one from Oak Glen -- who will spend the next several months interning at the hospital in addition to their established classroom activities in the hopes of providing new opportunity for their future.

"Project SEARCH is an opportunity for students with disabilities to go to work sites and get new skills," explained Carrie Gillette, program instructor and a special education teacher in Hancock County Schools.

Founded at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Project SEARCH has become a nationwide program providing educational opportunities and real-world work experience for high school seniors with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The program was first brought to West Virginia through WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.

Weirton became the second area in the state to offer the program, launching its inaugural class last fall.

"Last year, our Project SEARCH students were outstanding," noted Kelli McCoy, director of communications at the hospital.

Of the eight 2026 graduates, five have found full-time employment at the hospital.

Gillette explained the class will participate in a three-week orientation, learning their way around the hospital and details about its operations. Following that time, they will go through a series of three, 10-week rotations, each with a focus on a different department in the hospital.

Among this year’s class is Weir High senior Sam Huggins, who said he is hopeful to learn a variety of skills and be able to help others through the program.

"I’m super excited," Huggins said.

The inaugural class included students working alongside employees in areas such as housekeeping, dietary, laundry, materials management and facilities. Gillette hopes they will be able to include more of the hospital’s departments as the program grows.

Hospital officials agree, saying it is a team effort at WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center.

"It takes many different people, and many different jobs, to take care of our patients," hospital President David Artman said, noting the program will allow students to learn the importance of teamwork and obtain new skills while learning more about themselves and their abilities.

Hospital Vice President of Operations Clayton Henderson noted Project SEARCH shows what can be accomplished when a community comes together, showing a belief in the abilities and potential of its people.

"Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey," he told the class, adding there will be challenges, but those challenges are part of the process and a chance to learn and grow.