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The Florida Grantor, Fall 2006

Florida High School/ High Tech Celebrates a Decade Milestone

Florida High School/ High Tech (HS/HT) is a transition program with the goal to motivate and prepare students for post-secondary education and careers in technology. The program began in 1996 as a pilot project at the Space Coast Center for Independent Living in Brevard County with just six participating students. Today, the statewide Florida HS/HT program has flourished under State Coordinator, Donna Mundy. It serves nearly 1,000 students in 32 project sites and in over 100 high schools throughout Florida.

A decade after its launch in Florida, the Florida HS/HT program has had more than 80% of its graduates enter post-secondary education or employment.

Florida HS/HT is a part of a national initiative of the US Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy. It is designed to reduce the drop-out rate among high school students with disabilities and promote education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to youth with disabilities. The Program is sponsored in Florida by The Able Trust and is supported by the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Recently, the Florida HS/HT program received national attention. CVS Pharmacy selected Florida HS/HT to pilot an internship program for students with disabilities. Three students from the Ocala HS/HT project participated in a six-week summer internship, gaining valuable hands-on work experience. CVS Pharmacy was recognized by the US Department of Labor as a New Freedom Initiative award recipient for launching this innovative career-training program and is currently in discussions with The Able Trust to explore additional internship opportunities in more stores across Florida.

To learn more about the Florida HS/HT decade of achievements and program activities, please visit www.floridahsht.org.