High School High Tech Youth Program

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 or postsecondary education leading to in-demand careers. HSHT links youth to a broad range of academic, career development and experiential resources and opportunities that will enable them to better meet the demands of the 21st century workforce.

HSHT students are provided transition services based on the nationally recognized Guideposts for Success: school-based preparatory experiences, career preparation and work-based learning, connecting activities, youth leadership and development, family involvement and support and communication skills.

HSHT programs are located in 46 sites across Florida and work with students with disabilities to:

Improve participation in education, vocational, and employment-related activities;
Increase their high school graduation rate, and
Increase their enrollment in postsecondary education.

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. If you are interested in participating, there is a role for you.

Get Involved with High School
High Tech in Your Area

There are a variety of ways to get involved in your local High School High Tech program:

Volunteer to speak to the students on the skills that are important to your business.
Offer to give students a tour of your business to highlight career opportunities.

For information, or to find out how to help support the High School High Tech program in your area, contact Coleen Agner at [email protected].

High School High Tech Student Highlights

Click below to view photos and stories detailing some of our students’ recent activities and opportunities!

Futures in Focus

View details about the recently launched Futures in Focus program for students with disabilities in grades 9-12.

High School High Tech Program Outcomes for
2023-24 School Year

High School High Tech HSHT) students are provided 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, family involvement and support and communication skills.

As shown in the graphic to the right, outcomes for 2023-24 included:

1,269 Student Participants
984 Students participated in a career experience (paid employment, internship, volunteering, school-based enterprise or career certification)
99% Graduation Rate Among Seniors

Meet Our High School High Tech Ambassadors

The Able Trust selected three High School High Tech Ambassadors from high school seniors interested in strengthening their communication skills and becoming more involved in their communities.

The first group of HSHT ambassadors includes three students chosen for the active participation in High School High Tech and compelling video presentation.

Watch the video and hear our High School High Tech ambassadors talk about the benefits of participating.

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.

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 inclusion in the community as a productive citizen. Learn more about he VR School-to-Work Transition Program at 850-245-3399 or rehabworks.org.