The Able Trust’s High School High Tech (HSHT) program provides Florida high school students with all types of disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs and postsecondary education leading to improved success in finding fulfilling careers that reflect their interests.
From Miami to Pensacola and all across Florida, HSHT connects high school students with disabilities to career exploration activities, postsecondary education options, and skills development. HSHT students receive transition services based on the nationally recognized Guideposts for Success that include:
In addition to providing important transition services, participation in HSHT programs helps ensure students graduate from high school and it improves student participation in education, vocational, and employment-related activities following graduation.
HSHT is a community-based partnership made up of students, parents and caregivers, businesses, educators and rehabilitation professionals. It has been shown to reduce the high school dropout rate and increase the overall self-esteem of participating students, helping them see future employment possibilities they might not have thought possible. If you are interested in participating, there is a role for you.
There are a variety of ways to get involved in your local High School High Tech program:
For information, or to find out how to help support the High School High Tech program in your area, contact High School High Tech State Director Coleen Agner at [email protected].
Throughout the year, High School High Tech students participate in a variety of activities that help them understand career opportunities in their local community and postsecondary education options.
Click below to view photos and stories detailing some of our students’ recent experiences.
The Able Trust team was thrilled to welcome High School High Tech coordinators from across Florida to the 2025 High School High Tech Conference at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando in November. Click below to see highlights from the conference, access resources, and learn about the winners of our annual HSHT Awards!
The Able Trust launched Futures in Focus for students with disabilities, ages 14-22. Like High School High Tech, Futures in Focus is based on the principles and framework of the Guideposts for Success, which are nationally research- and evidenced-based. Futures in Focus differs from High School High Tech in the time commitment, and is less intensive for program partners and students. This allows families who often have busy schedules with other activities to gain the benefits from a career focused program while deciding whether to make a commitment to a more intensive program like High School High Tech.
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As a freshman, I was in the program thinking this is just a program to join. I wasn't really thinking about college and the future. But, it helps me know what I want to do after high school. Since we've visited college and campus tours, it gives me an idea of what I want to do outside of high school. It's really helped me mentally know what I want to do in life. That's what I take from HSHT.
High School High Tech students receive transition services based on nationally recognized Guideposts for Success: school-based preparatory experiences, career preparation and work-based learning, connecting activities, youth leadership and development, and family involvement and support. As shown in the graphic above, outcomes for 2024-25 included:
The Able Trust has worked with students with disabilities across Florida for more than 30 years. Click here to learn about the history of High School High Tech and find out what HSHT students say about the benefits of participating.
The goal of starting a business in the food industry was not always clear to Gulf County High School High Tech student Zoey Ham. Nor, in fact, was any sort of independent future. Ham was held back two years in
After struggling in school while living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, postsecondary education was just about the last thing on Zach Staubitz’s mind as graduation drew closer. “I loved school, but I wasn’t really looking at
(Editor’s note: This narrative was contributed by Alexandra “Axel” Garcia, a High School High Tech student from Broward County. The following is Axel’s personal story of the impact participating in the High School High Tech program has had on her
After crossing the stage at their high school graduation ceremonies, many alumni of the Florida High School High Tech program for students with disabilities either enter the workforce right away or pursue additional education at a college, university, or technical
This project funded by The Able Trust and the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).
Florida’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program serves youth with disabilities transitioning from school to work and has partnered with the HSHT initiative to meet the needs of these students. VR Transition services are designed to assist students with disabilities from high school to a successful employment outcome and a role in the community as a productive citizen. Learn more about he VR School-to-Work Transition Program at 850-245-3399 or rehabworks.org.
