Road to Independence and Success in Education (RISE) Scholarship Program
Application Information for Currently Enrolled College Students
The Able Trust established the Road to Independence and Success in Education (RISE) Scholarship program to support Florida High School High Tech students in their pursuit of a meaningful career. RISE Scholarships represent an opportunity to ensure more students with disabilities are prepared to achieve success in higher education and the workforce. The RISE Scholarship program also supports the pursuit of an undergraduate degree or certificate.
This RISE Scholarship application is only for students who are successful graduates of The Able Trust High School High Tech program and currently enrolled in a college or university. All information submitted will be verified by The Able Trust.
Click the button below to complete the
RISE Scholarship application for currently enrolled college students.
Family Resources
Information for RISE Scholarship Applicants
Information for RISE Scholarship Recipients
Important Dates
-
October 1, 2026:
RISE Scholarship Applications Open -
9:00 pm, February 26, 2027:
Deadline for Submitting RISE Scholarship Application -
Week of March 29, 2027:
RISE Scholarship Recipients Notified
RISE Scholarship FAQ
A one-year Florida Prepaid College Plan providing one year of tuition coverage at any of Florida’s 28 state colleges or technical schools. This scholarship can also be used at qualifying public or private postsecondary institutions in Florida.
The scholarship is being provided through the Florida Prepaid Foundation which requires recipients to have completed the FAFSA to receive the scholarship, as is the case with all scholarships. You only have to complete the FAFSA if your student receives the scholarship.
Also be aware that completing the FAFSA could open up other scholarship or grant possibilities for your student and the FAFSA Application has been significantly shortened and made easier to complete.
There are several avenues aside from the RISE Scholarship to assist with the costs of college. They are listed on the back of the informational flyer that can be downloaded by selecting the button at the top of the screen.
Becoming enrolled as a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) client is one of the options to pay for college after the first year. We strongly encourage you to seek out your local VR office to begin the process. More information is available at this link.
RISE Scholarship applications must be submitted by 9:00 pm on February 26, 2027. Click the green button at the top of the screen to apply.
Online FAFSA Resources
Use the links below to view online video presentations that may help in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college, career school, or graduate school. – FAFSA
The Florida Prepaid College Foundation offers students the opportunity to build a better future for themselves through higher education. Scholarship essay contests are available each year to any Florida student in grades 4-12. – Florida College Prepaid Foundation
FDOE provides information on financial aid for higher education expenses, such as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. – Florida Department of Education
VR counselors work with the Student Office of Disability to coordinate accommodations as well as being able to provide financial assistance for eligible individuals working toward an
employment goal. – Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Offers access info and includes the Johnson Scholarship (for undergrads with disabilities at Florida SUS institutions). – State University System of Florida – Johnson Scholarship
Focuses on post-secondary comprehensive transition programs (for students with intellectual disabilities) in Florida; may link to tuition/aid options in those programs.
– FCSUA
This is the main portal to Florida’s state-aid programs (scholarships and grants) which students with disabilities might be eligible for. – Florida Student Financial Aid
Offers additional national scholarship opportunities to complement state ones. – Career Connections Center
FloridaShines partners with Florida’s public colleges and universities, K-12 school districts, technical colleges, and other educational organizations to develop tools that support
students, parents, and educators. FloridaShines is operated by the Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC), which is funded by the state of Florida. As a result, all resources are provided to
students at no cost. – FloridaShines.org
The Able Trust Youth Program
High School High Tech
The Able Trust High School High Tech (HSHT) program provides high school students with all types of disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs or postsecondary education leading to improved success in finding fulfilling careers that reflect their interests. HSHT links youth to a broad range of academic and career development experiences that will enable them to meet the demands of the 21st century workforce.
High School High Tech, students are given the opportunity to:
- Tour local businesses and industries to learn about current careers.
- Visit colleges, technical schools and universities to learn about educational opportunities.
- Develop soft skills important to the workplace.
- Learn by doing through participation in career experiences.
The Able Trust Partners
