Scholarships Available for High School High Tech Students
RISE Scholarship Application Deadline March 31, 2026
The Able Trust created the Road to Independence and Success in Education (RISE) Scholarship to help Florida High School High Tech students continue their education after high school and prepare for success in the workforce.
The RISE Scholarship is available only to seniors who are current High School High Tech students. The scholarship will help cover tuition or credit hour costs for technical or state college enrollment.
- RISE Scholarships will be awarded as a 1-Year Florida Prepaid College Plan.
- RISE Scholarships provide one full year of tuition at any of Florida’s 28 state colleges or technical schools.
- The value of the scholarship can be applied at other public or private postsecondary institutions in Florida.
Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship selection committee. Students who are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by email on April 23, 2026.
To complete a RISE Scholarship application select the red button above or CLICK HERE.
If you have any questions, contact Joey D’Souza at [email protected]
Eligibility
To be eligible for a RISE Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a high school senior and an active participant in a High School High Tech program.
- Complete at least one application to a Florida postsecondary institution (state college, technical school, etc.).
- Complete the RISE Scholarship Application.
FAFSA completion is not required to apply for a RISE Scholarship.
NOTE: In order to accept a RISE Scholarship, recipients must:
- Provide some form of identification such as a Florida ID, birth certificate or voters registration, and
- Provide proof of Florida residency.
Parent/Guardian Resources
RISE Scholarship FAQ
A one-year Florida 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 March, 31, 2026. Click the red 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 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program establishes lottery-funded scholarships to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement. – Bright Futures Scholarship Program
The Able Trust Youth Programs
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.
Futures in Focus
The Able Trust launched Futures in Focus for students with disabilities ages 14-22 as an abbreviated version of High School High Tech. Futures in Focus offers early exposure to postsecondary and career options to both middle and high school students with disabilities and connects them to hands-on activities in their communities that include:
- Providing students with hands-on exposure to postsecondary education and real-world career opportunities.
- Connecting students with disabilities to Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation leading to increased pre-employment support.
- Increasing student participation in school-based Career and Technical Education courses.
The Able Trust Partners
