High School High Tech Youth Program

About the High School High Tech Program

The Able Trust High School High Tech (HSHT) is designed to provide 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 experiences that will enable them to meet the demands of the 21st century workforce.

HSHT programs are located in 42 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 & training

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.

To see where you fit into the HSHT community, contact Coleen Agner at [email protected].

Click here to view highlights from the 2022 High School High Tech Conference.

High School High Tech Student Interview

Recently, High School High Tech student Edgar Caquimbo from Wakulla High School sat down with Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, Division of Career & Adult Education, Florida Department of Education to discuss the Get There program.

Click here to watch the interview and learn more about Career & Technical Education programs.

High School High Tech Student Updates

Michael Vazquez

Michael is a graduate of the Flagler High School High Tech program. During his participation in HSHT, he learned about career opportunities and worked on his interview skills.

Today, Michael works part-time at Invisacook, a company that manufactures cook tops. He loves his job in the warehouse and is learning skills including how to build and make items and how to keep the workplace clean.

Ashton Morgan

Ashton is a senior and attends the High School High Tech (HSHT) program at West Nassau High School. He has participated in HSHT for four years and credits the program for helping him learn about a number of different jobs. Currently, Ashton works at Publix at The Crossings at Wildlight as a Front Service Clerk (or Bagger). Employing persons with disabilities is a part of the Publix culture and Ashton says one of the things he enjoys about his job at Publix is being part of a team.

High School High Tech Success Stories

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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