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The Florida Grantor, Winter 2008

The Florida High School/High Tech Program

Graduation, College and Employment for Students with Disabilities rotary Youth Camp Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service of S. Palm Beach Co.

During the 2007-2008 school year, the Florida High School/High Tech (HS/HT) Program served 1,408 students with disabilities through projects in 36 Florida counties. The service impacts 112 schools and alternative education settings including, but not limited to, foster care group homes and Department of Juvenile Justice facilities.

Students engaged in a total of 112,821 transition services based on five nationally recognized, evidence- based Guideposts for Success: School- Based Preparatory Experiences, Career Preparation & Work-Based Learning, Connecting Activities, Youth Leadership & Development and Family Involvement & Supports.

As a result of program services, 206 high school students in all grades secured employment. In addition, Florida HS/ HT students entered post secondary education at more than three times the rate of other Florida graduates with disabilities. A majority (64 percent) of Florida HS/HT graduates entered post secondary education after graduation as compared to 19 percent of other graduates with disabilities in Florida. Also, 86 percent of Florida HS/HT students entered post secondary education or employment as compared to the state average for all students of 55 percent – a 31 percent higher success rate.

Madison County HS/HT, the 2007- 2008 Florida HS/HT Program of the Year, experienced a 100 percent success rate of seniors entering post secondary education or employment. Of the six high school graduates, three entered community college, one student entered technical school, one student entered the military and one student elected employment. According to the 2008 Local Education Agencies (LEA) Profile, only 8 percent of Madison County’s graduates with disabilities entered post secondary education and only 35 percent of graduates with disabilities entered employment. Through the HS/HT program and community support, Madison County HS/HT students have achieved high school graduation and are pursuing their college and employment goals. Congratulations to Madison County HS/HT and all HS/HT programs, students, parents and partners!