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The Florida Grantor, Summer 2003

High School/High Tech Will Offer Youth Career Development Through Disability Mentoring Day

Florida High School/High Tech (HS/HT) is a program funded by The Able Trust that helps prepare students with disabilities for post-secondary education and careers in science, math, engineering and technology. On October 15, the HS/HT sites will take part in a national initiative to host a Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) in their local area.

High school students with disabilities will spend Disability Mentoring Day visiting with businesses that match their career interests. Employers will serve as volunteer mentors to help these students target their career skills, explore possible career paths and emphasize the importance of the school and work connection.

Disability Mentoring Day began in 1999 as part of a White House effort to increase the awareness of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrated every October. DMD 2002 included over 1,500 students nationwide, with close to 75 participating throughout Florida.

As part of a statewide effort, The Able Trust High School/High Tech sites will be working in conjunction with the Florida Community College System and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide students in their local area with a Disability Mentoring Day experience. In addition, the Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged will assist with transportation needs and the Governor’s Mentoring Initiative will provide recognition to all participating students and employers.

Statewide sponsors for Disability Mentoring Day include Clear Channel Radio, Merrill Lynch of Ft. Walton Beach and Anheuser Busch.

For information about participating as a mentor, serving on a local planning committee or becoming a Local Coordinator in your area, contact Kristen Knapp at 888.838.2253 or kristen@abletrust.org.