Diversifying our Talent Pipeline with Project SEARCH

For the second consecutive year, Centene partnered with Easterseals Midwest to bring Project SEARCH, a workforce training program founded at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, to our corporate headquarters in St. Louis, MO. Project SEARCH prepares individuals for transition into integrated, competitive employment by offering young adults with disabilities the opportunity to obtain first-hand job and business experience in a variety of sectors.

Project SEARCH launched at Centene in October 2017, and the first class of four participants graduated in June 2018. The 2019 cohort was expanded to five participants, who spent time training across areas at Centene, including Security, Accounts Payable, Facilities, Enrollment, and Medicare Operations.

As part of the Project SEARCH curriculum, participants complete three 10-week internships and classroom instruction prior to graduation. 

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"We are proud to partner with Easterseals, a nearly century-old provider dedicated to ensuring that all people with disabilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities said Wade Rakes, Centene Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. "Continued support of programs such as Project SEARCH aligns with our company mission and allows us to better support the populations we serve."

As the program continues, Centene will expand the initiative across departments and locations nationwide.