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INTERN TO WORK

Building Skills and Opening Doors: Internship Programs for People with IDD

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) increasingly seek meaningful careers, not just jobs. To help build skills and expand career options, The Arc Baltimore offers two intensive internship programs: Project SEARCH and Career Catalyst.

Project SEARCH Baltimore

Project SEARCH is a one-year internship program for motivated high school students and adults with disabilities in Baltimore City and County. The program helps participants explore careers, develop real job skills, and gain greater independence.

High School Transition Program

Following the Baltimore City and County Public School calendar, students spend most of their time in on-campus internships at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, or the University of Maryland Medical Center. Over three 10-week internships, students build skills in general office tasks, basic computer use, or labor work, supported by special education teachers and job coaches. Individualized job placement assistance begins after completing internships and classroom training.

Adult Internship Program

Running from September to May, participants spend their day at MedStar Union Memorial or Northwest Hospital classrooms and engage in three unpaid internships of their choice. Through these internships, participants gain marketable skills to compete for jobs in healthcare or other community sectors. Support is provided by program coordinators and job coaches, with job placement assistance following successful program completion.

Applications and interviews are required for both programs. Accepted applicants are notified by mid-May.

Career Catalyst

Career Catalyst is a workforce education and intensive internship program designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are underemployed or unemployed, as well as youth transitioning from special education programs. The program offers:

  • Vocational evaluation
  • Skill development and education
  • Paid internships
  • Job development and placement

Unlike Project SEARCH, Career Catalyst operates year-round, with internships at various community businesses tailored to each participant’s interests and skills. The program offers ongoing support to help people develop their skills and secure meaningful employment. Job placement may happen during or after multiple internships and training experiences.

For more information or to learn about eligibility for Project SEARCH or Career Catalyst, please contact Bob Fonte at 410-296-2272, extension 5310.