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.
Click the button below to learn more.
Discover how High School High Tech is helping students with disabilities overcome challenges and prepare for college and careers. Read our student profiles to learn more about the inspiring students whose lives have been impacted through HSHT. Click the button below to explore their stories.
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.
Jennifer McCans remembers the discussion where she learned about her daughter Kiersten’s visual disability like it was yesterday. “We were told by a doctor when Kiersten was three months old that she had ocular albinism,” she said. “He told us
When a group of students from the High School High Tech program for students with disabilities at Pepin Academies’ New Port Richey campus visited Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) recently, first-year PHSC student Jethiel Morales stepped forward confidently to share his
From a young age, Leila Burgess was often quiet and afraid to engage with others despite growing up in a dynamic family. Her mother, Michelle, was concerned when she noticed the toddler watching her lips move when she spoke rather
When Jackson R. was a toddler, his mother, Karen, could never have imagined he would one day be an honor roll student and member of the golf team at Hilliard High School. At that time, she simply wanted to know
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.
