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 45 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.
  • Sponsor your local Project Venture team.

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].

Student Highlights

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

Meet Our High School High Tech Ambassadors

The Able Trust has launched the High School High Tech Ambassador program for high school seniors interested in strengthening their workforce readiness 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:

  • Will Carpenter 
  • Jaycee Moser 
  • Damian Smith

Watch the video and hear our High School High Tech student ambassadors talk about the benefits of participating.  Learn more about them by visiting the High School High Tech Ambassadors webpage.

Futures in Focus

View details about the recently launched Futures in Focus program for students with disabilities in grades 6-12.

Project Venture Compention

View details about the 2024 Project Venture  competition!

High School High Tech Program Outcomes 2022-23 School Year

High School High Tech HSHT) students were 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. To learn more, visit www.abletrust.org/high-school-high-tech.

As shown in the graphic to the left, outcomes for 2022-23 included:

  • 1,371 Student Participants
  • 115 High Schools
  • 852 Students participated in a career experience (paid employment, internship, volunteering, school-based enterprise or career certification)
  • 99% Graduation Rate Among Seniors

High School High Tech Success Stories

THERMON’S STORY

A Florida High School High Tech alumnus and Vocational Rehabilitation client through Embrace Families in Maitland, Jahnquace “Thermon” Watkins participated in an on-the-job training opportunity

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RICHARD’S STORY

My son Richard was diagnosed with high functioning autism at the end of his kindergarten year, and our life changed. Academically, Richard did very well but socially…

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Headshot of young woman in nursing scrubs.

MELISA’S STORY

Melisa Lewis wanted a career in health care – and she wasn’t about to let her auditory processing deficit and hearing loss keep her from achieving her dream…

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RICARDO’S STORY

An April 28, 2021 Florida Times-Union article, “Rehab tech at Wolfson becomes autism role model”, states that as a child, Ricardo was diagnosed with autism but he didn’t let this stop him…

Read More »

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.

Our Partners From Across Florida