Family Resources and Information
As your student participates in High School High Tech (HSHT), they are beginning to explore what comes next after high school—whether that includes college, technical training, or entering the workforce. This page is designed to support you and your family during that journey by connecting you to helpful resources and information.
We know that families play an important role in helping students make informed decisions about the future. The resources shared here are meant to guide you as you support your student’s goals, understand available services, and explore options that can help them succeed after graduation.
We would like to stay connected! If you would like to receive additional resources, complete the form below to sign up for our family resource newsletter. We will send out two issues during the school year to keep you up-to-date on events, resources and other information that may be useful as your High School High Tech student plans for their next steps after high school.
Disability & Support Resources
The VR process is a series of steps that will help students who are in high school or post-secondary school (trade, college or university) and youth who are out-of-school, with disabilities. VR helps students explore career paths, train for a job, and continue their education based on their interests and abilities. Visit rehabworks.org for information.
The FL WINS Program provides Floridians with improved access to workforce programs and services. An online portal allows access to available state, federal, and local services and tools, providing broader access to education and training options, labor market information, career planning tools, workforce training, and education support. To learn more, click here.
Project 10: Transition Education Network is Florida’s statewide IDEA funded state project supporting the secondary transition of youth with disabilities. It is funded by the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), within the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Project 10’s primary charge is to assist school districts in providing appropriate planning and timely transition services and programs to assist youth with disabilities in their transition to adulthood. Project 10 also serves as a collaborative resource for other state agencies, IDEA funded state projects, non-profit organizations and families in the provision of transition services for students served in exceptional student education. Click here for information.
The Family Café provides individuals with disabilities and their families with an opportunity for collaboration, advocacy, friendship and empowerment by serving as a facilitator of communication, a space for dialogue and a source of information. The Annual Family Cafe offers informative sessions, engaging keynotes, a packed Exhibit Hall, and all kinds of disability-friendly activities. The 2026 Family Cafe is scheduled for June 12-14 in Orlando. Click here to learn more.
The Youth Leadership Forum for Students with The Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF) is a unique leadership training program for high school students with disabilities. Students will represent their communities as delegates in Florida’s state capital, learning to cultivate leadership, citizenship, and social skills. Click here for information.
Online Events
Learn practical strategies for supporting students through school to Adulthood
Bridging the gap between high school and adulthood. Making a successful journey! How do we go about it? First step is Self Determination and Self Advocacy. Then develop your SMART goals for adulthood. But how? Let’s review together the areas of independent living, safety in the community, life after high school, post-secondary options and employment. Join us to learn about the BRIDGE toolkit as a support for this journey. Register here.
Unlock the future: learn how to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Access job search and supports, education and resources.
Presented through Florida Atlantic CARD BRIDGE, an initiative provides guidance and support to transition-aged students 12-25 years of age with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a related disability, their parents, and families. The transition road from youth to adulthood is a tremendous change. The BRIDGE program is here to provide expanded specialized supports and consultation to develop meaningful outcomes for adulthood. – Self-Determination & Circle of Support – Self-Advocacy – Community Living – Pre-Vocational Exploration – Pre-Employment Transition Services – Healthcare – Legal & Benefits Planning – Post-Secondary Education – Employment Options & Supports. Click here to learn more.
College, Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college, career school, or graduate school. – FAFSA
The Florida Prepaid College Foundation offers students the opportunity to build a better future for themselves through higher education. Scholarship essay contests are available each year to any Florida student in grades 4-12. – Florida College Prepaid Foundation
FDOE provides information on financial aid for higher education expenses, such as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. – Florida Department of Education
VR counselors work with the Student Office of Disability to coordinate accommodations as well as being able to provide financial assistance for eligible individuals working toward an
employment goal. – Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Offers access info and includes the Johnson Scholarship (for undergrads with disabilities at Florida SUS institutions). – State University System of Florida – Johnson Scholarship
Focuses on post-secondary comprehensive transition programs (for students with intellectual disabilities) in Florida; may link to tuition/aid options in those programs.
– FCSUA
This is the main portal to Florida’s state-aid programs (scholarships and grants) which students with disabilities might be eligible for. – Florida Student Financial Aid
Offers additional national scholarship opportunities to complement state ones. – Career Connections Center
FloridaShines partners with Florida’s public colleges and universities, K-12 school districts, technical colleges, and other educational organizations to develop tools that support
students, parents, and educators. FloridaShines is operated by the Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC), which is funded by the state of Florida. As a result, all resources are provided to
students at no cost. – FloridaShines.org
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program establishes lottery-funded scholarships to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement. – Bright Futures Scholarship Program
Local College Access Networks (LCANs) are community-based coordinating bodies supported by a team of community and education leaders. These collaborative networks are committed to increasing college and career readiness, access, and completion rates for students within their communities who are outside the mold of the traditional college student, such as low-income students, adult learners, and those who are the first in their families to attend college. LCAN members work together to better coordinate and leverage resources that lower the barriers preventing students from completing their educations beyond high school. Click here to learn more.
Online FAFSA Resources
Use the links below to view online video presentations that may help in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
High School High Tech
The Able Trust High School High Tech (HSHT) program provides high school students with all types of disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs or postsecondary education leading to improved success in finding fulfilling careers that reflect their interests. HSHT links youth to a broad range of academic and career development experiences that will enable them to meet the demands of the 21st century workforce.
High School High Tech, students are given the opportunity to:
- Tour local businesses and industries to learn about current careers.
- Visit colleges, technical schools and universities to learn about educational opportunities.
- Develop soft skills important to the workplace.
- Learn by doing through participation in career experiences.
The Able Trust Partners
