Businesses
FAQ
How can my business benefit from HS/HT?
Through HS/HT you and your business can reap many benefits such as:
- Demonstrating your business' leadership within your community
- Helping students with disabilities build confidence about their own employability
- Gaining access to a pool of emerging talent
- Recruiting for short or long-term employees
Can businesses that are not centered on technology participate?
Yes, HS/HT students have a wide range of interests and benefit from exposure to a variety of career fields and employment settings.
Why the emphasis on technology?
Technology that was once uncommon is now commonplace in most workplace environments. Because of advances in technology, individuals with disabilities can more readily become members of the workforce. To meet the demands of the 21st century workforce, one must become successful in our technologically savvy society.
What volunteer opportunities are available for business professionals?
There are numerous ways for professionals to participate in HS/HT. You can participate by being a guest speaker, mentor or sponsor, hosting a facility tour, letting a student shadow you for a day, creating an internship position or facilitating a mock interview. Contact the HS/HT project director nearest you by visiting the HS/HT Project Sites listing to find out about opportunities available in your area.
What is a typical corporate site visit like?
Typically, employers plan out the students' day to include employee presentations, a tour of the facility, project demonstrations, hands-on activities and any other aspect the company would like to highlight.
How do I create an internship position?
Unpaid or paid internship positions can be created by your company through a few simple steps. Most internships are offered to HS/HT students during the summer. You need to consider a workspace for the student, tasks to be completed and hours of the day the student would work. There is also an internship contract that the student and employer reviews and completes before the internship begins.
If you are interested in hosting a student for an internship position, visit the HS/HT Project Sites listing, locate your county and contact the project director nearest you.
Who provides accommodations for students visiting or interning with my business?
Accommodations for students can be provided in a variety of ways. During a facility tour, accommodations needed are minimal and are always addressed by the project director. For an internship, accommodations can be provided by local organizations, HS/HT funding, school districts or employers. Once you have decided to host an internship, you and the HS/HT project director can determine how to accommodate the student.
Is there an activity I can participate in that requires a smaller time commitment?
The Able Trust has just launched a new e-Mentoring program for professionals. It's a new online activity where you can volunteer your time to mentor a high school student with a disability via e-mail. Visit the e-Mentoring Website for more information.
How can I recruit interns or employees from HS/HT?
The best way to recruit HS/HT students for interns or employees is to become involved in the HS/HT program. You can also contact the HS/HT project director in your area to discuss the opportunities you would like to make available to HS/HT students.
How is HS/HT funded?
Florida HS/HT is part of the national HS/HT initiative, supported by the US Department of Labor of Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). It is funded in Florida by The Able Trust, a nonprofit foundation providing employment opportunities for Floridians with disabilities and the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Can I make a monetary contribution to HS/HT?
To make a donation to a HS/HT site in your area, please visit the HS/HT Project Sites listing, locate your county and contact the project director nearest you. If you are interested in a statewide sponsorship, contact Cat Keen at cat@abletrust.org.
Sponsors:
.
.
