Futures in Focus

Planning for the future can be a daunting experience, especially for students who aren’t familiar with the potentially limitless number of career opportunities that exist. As high school students look toward graduation, understanding career options and postsecondary requirements is crucial. In order to take advantage of programs available in high school, exposure and exploration must begin in middle school.

Futures in Focus, launched in partnership with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF), is an abbreviated version of High School High Tech, a statewide program for students with disabilities The Able Trust has managed for more than 30 years.

Seeing the students take the lead and apply skills we have practiced has been incredible. I’m watching them grow into the best version of themselves and it’s truly a blessing.

Clara Muniz, DeSoto County

Futures in Focus offers early exposure to postsecondary and career options to both middle and high school students with disabilities and connects them to hands-on activities in their communities that include:

  • Providing students with hands-on exposure to postsecondary education and real-world career opportunities.
  • Connecting students with disabilities to Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation leading to increased pre-employment support.
  • Increasing student participation in school-based Career and Technical Education courses.
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Futures in Focus Highlights

Orange County Student Impact

During the school year, Orange County students in Futures in Focus spent a day at their future high school campus and participated in a welcoming induction program.

– High School High Tech students served as peer mentors, guiding them throughout the day.

– Students were shown a variety of course offerings including CTE programs, disability supports, clubs, and important locations such as the media center and the lunchroom to make their transition to high school as smooth as possible.

– Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) gave a presentation to help students understand their role and how VR can provide assistance.

Students left this experience with a mentor, information on VR, less anxiety about going to HS and a jumpstart to career planning through a deeper understanding of their high school course offerings.

Activities like this demonstrate how Futures in Focus bridges the gap between middle school and high school, turning abstract “future plans” into concrete next steps.

Futures in Focus Highlights

Futures in Focus students from Martin County teamed up to start The Barkery, a bakery specializing in homemade dog biscuits. The students also toured Florida Atlantic University and Indian River State College, visited an area hospital to learn about healthcare career options, and learned customer service, sales and pre-vocational skills through other ventures.
Alachua County's Futures in Focus students learned about agriculture and food service careers with post-graduation employment potential thanks to the Growing Educational Training (GET) Program. Student Gikiyah's favorite part was learning about machines used for various culinary manufacturing purposes. The students also took part in a Career Connections event with VR representatives and toured the University of Florida.
Students in the Lake County Futures in Focus program this year worked toward earning Food Handler Certifications, learning about food safety and recipe planning in preparation for careers in the food industry. In addition, five of the program's students were accepted into an internship program at Waterman Hospital for the 2025-26 school year, facilitated by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
DeSoto County's Futures in Focus students established a student-run Coffee Café, learning time and money management skills while working as a team to maintain a successful business. The students also visited South Florida State College, engaged in workshops with the help of representatives from the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and even took part in a workplace skills activity at Legoland!

High School High Tech Tours and Activities

High School High Tech
High School High Tech students from Lake County tour the University of Central Florida campus and receive information on education services from the College of Community Innovation and Education.
High School High Tech students from all over the Big Bend participate in a Transition Fair at Tallahassee Community College and learn about available programs and resources available.
High School High Tech students from all over the Big Bend participate in a Transition Fair at Tallahassee Community College and learn about available programs and resources available.
Alachua, Levy and Putnam County High School High Tech students learned about career opportunities in fields like cosmetology, automotive services, nursery management, and confectionery from tours provided by FCTC First Coast Technical College and Whetstone Chocolates.
Alachua, Levy and Putnam County High School High Tech students learned about career opportunities in fields like cosmetology, automotive services, nursery management, and confectionery from tours provided by FCTC First Coast Technical College and Whetstone Chocolates.
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