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 college when I was a senior,” said Staubitz. “I was like ‘let me just graduate and go into the workforce.’ I was just going with the flow.”
Five years later, Staubitz has earned two associate’s degrees and is close to finishing his bachelor’s degree at Florida State University. He credits his years in the Florida High School High Tech program with setting him on his new and improved course by teaching him about possible careers; improving his interview, job etiquette and multitasking skills; and connecting him to leadership opportunities.
“The activities in High School High Tech opened my eyes and led me to change my career path to social media and graphic design,” Staubitz said. “I really don’t know where I’d be without the program.”
High School High Tech, a youth program administered by The Able Trust, provides Florida students with disabilities access to career exploration experiences, postsecondary education options, and key resources to help them plan for success after graduation. The program helps prepare students for a smooth transition from high school to college, vocational school, career training and other options. While some students with disabilities ultimately do not complete their high school diplomas, High School High Tech has a 99% graduation rate for participating students.
Former Leon County High School High Tech coordinator Chris Carlberg could tell his student was wrestling with feeling prepared for adulthood and choosing a career path. But Staubitz’s supportive parents strongly emphasized the benefits of pursuing a college degree, and with their encouragement and Carlberg’s guidance, the scholar enrolled at Tallahassee State College.
“I believe High School High Tech highlighted the importance of college and the formative value of postsecondary education to Zach,” said Carlberg. “He’s embraced the lifestyle that comes with it, whether that be joining clubs, serving the community, or making friends.”
Those aspects of life were not always present in Staubitz’s world; for example, as a child, he was mostly surrounded with people in his age group who did not have disabilities. He struggled to make friends and often dealt with feelings of isolation.
Participating in High School High Tech quickly made it clear to Staubitz that he was not alone.
“High School High Tech opened up a space for me to be myself, have friends and communicate socially,” said Staubitz. “It helped me feel like I had a community.”
High School High Tech was transformative for Zach, and seeing him grow since then has been transformative for me as well. He remains one of the most resilient people I know.
In addition to the inspiration to go to college and the empowerment of a welcoming community, Staubitz developed his own leadership skills, even serving as president of the Leon County program after some encouragement from Carlberg.
“Zach used to never think of himself as a leader,” Carlberg said. “In fact, when I suggested he run for High School High Tech president, he said he had never considered running for a role like this.”
Staubitz excelled as president, helping Carlberg to coordinate logistics like scheduling and transportation for High School High Tech events. He has continued to thrive in positions of leadership since then, with key roles in FSU’s Social Spear and Best Buddies organizations as well as the Florida Youth Leadership Forum.
Staubitz manages these roles while also working in customer service at Publix—to say nothing of his soon-to-be-achieved bachelor’s degree in media and communications studies with a minor in psychology. He hopes to work as a social media manager after finishing college.
“A lot of people say ‘wow, you’re busy,’” Staubitz said, laughing. “I just learned how to measure time down to the minute. I want to make an impact with my legacy at FSU.”
Carlberg believes the young scholar is well on his way to doing just that.
“Thanks to High School High Tech, Zach remained focused on finding a career that was attainable, reliable, and tied to his interests,” Carlberg said. “I am so proud of him for pursuing a career in communications that is both practical and driven by his passion.
“High School High Tech was transformative for Zach, and seeing him grow since then has been transformative for me as well. He remains one of the most resilient people I know.”
The Able Trust’s High School High Tech program serves students with disabilities from Miami to Pensacola and all across Florida. Learn more at www.abletrust.org/high-school-high-tech.
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