Student Impacts and Highlights

Throughout each school year and beyond, The Able Trust’s High School High Tech (HSHT) program provides Florida high school students with all types of disabilities experiences in job exploration and connections to postsecondary education resources. HSHT links youth to a broad range of academic, career development and hands-on opportunities that will enable them to better meet the demands of the 21st century workforce.

Read on to check out some of our students’ recent impactful activities and opportunities!

Pinellas High School High Tech Students Take Part in Tampa Bay Watch

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Pinellas County High School High Tech students took to the waters of Florida’s west coast during the Tampa Bay Watch Field Day event. Students learned about conservation efforts, marine wildlife, water testing and many more ecological career pursuits.

Duval Motor Company Hosts High School High Tech Exploratory Event

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Duval Motor Company hosted High School High Tech students from Duval and Nassau counties this April for a day of in-depth exploration into careers in the automotive field, including a hands-on introduction to modern electric vehicles.

Legislators, Agency Heads Meet High School High Tech Students

Wakulla County High School High Tech Coordinator Mandy Bianchi (left) and Chris Carlberg, Leon County High School High Tech Coordinator (back) stand with High School High Tech students Jakel Baker and Zachary Staubitz (Leon County) and Adleigh Caquimbo, Aaron Caquimbo and Edgar Caquimbo (Wakulla)
Kimberly Richey, Senior Chancellor with the Florida Department of Education talks with HSHT student Zachary Staubitz
Tony Carvajal, CEO and executive director of the Association of Florida Colleges talks with HSHT students Adleigh Caquimbo, Edgar Caquimbo and Aaron Caquimbo
Florida Representative Jennifer Canady and Allison Chase, CEO, The Able Trust
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During a February reception, legislators, agency heads and other education leaders had the opportunity to meet High School High Tech students from Leon and Wakulla counties.

Job and Career Exploration

Wakulla County High School High Tech students attended the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural North Florida Worlds of Work event held on the Tallahassee Community College and Lively Technical College campuses. The interactive job exploration fair showcased a wide range of career pathways through hands-on exhibits and face-to-face discussion with industry experts. 

Tours and Activities

High School High Tech students from Lake County tour the University of Central Florida campus and receive information inclusive education services from the College of Community Innovation and Education.
High School High Tech students from all over the Big Bend participate in a Transition Fair at Tallahassee Community College and learn about available programs and resources available.
High School High Tech students from all over the Big Bend participate in a Transition Fair at Tallahassee Community College and learn about available programs and resources available.
Alachua, Levy and Putnam County High School High Tech students and the team from the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida learn about career opportunities in fields like cosmetology, automotive services, nursery management, and confectionery from tours provided by FCTC First Coast Technical College and Whetstone Chocolates.
Alachua, Levy and Putnam County High School High Tech students and the team from the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida learn about career opportunities in fields like cosmetology, automotive services, nursery management, and confectionery from tours provided by FCTC First Coast Technical College and Whetstone Chocolates.
Alachua, Levy and Putnam County High School High Tech students and the team from the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida learn about career opportunities in fields like cosmetology, automotive services, nursery management, and confectionery from tours provided by First Coast Technical College and Whetstone Chocolates.
The Able Trust and High School High Tech collaborated with Visit Orlando on a mentorship event for students at Cypress Creek High School. Visit Orlando Mentor Day provided over 100 students a chance to meet with and learn from a variety of professionals. Mentors shared insights on career opportunities in a wide range of in-demand fields, as well as tips for resume writing, professional introductions and more.
A Hillsborough County HSHT student takes part in a hands-on training opportunity facilitated by Wellbuilt Bikes, a co-op drop-in center to help persons who are displaced and/or have limited incomes access transportation. Hillsborough County HSHT and Pepin Academies-Tampa work with Wellbuilt Bikes to provide the learning environment, skills, and opportunities for high school students with disabilities to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
Wakulla County HSHT recently attended the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce's inaugural North Florida Worlds of Work event held on the Tallahassee Community College and Lively Technical College campuses. The interactive job exploration fair showcased a wide variety of career pathways through hands-on exhibits and face-to-face discussion with industry experts.
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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

Jakel Baker

Before joining Leon County’s High School High Tech club three years ago, Jakel Baker had his mind set on going straight into the workforce upon graduation. However, with the encouragement of former Leon HSHT coordinator Chris Carlberg, Jakel blossomed into a sociable, professional and driven young man. In his junior year, he was voted HSHT Vice President for his school and subsequently voted HSHT President during his senior year.

Jakel has become an advocate for young adults with disabilities through participating in the Florida Youth Leadership Forum and Family Café Youth Committee. He graduated from Betton Hills and is now enrolled at Tallahassee State College with plans to transfer to Florida State University to major in computer science. Jakel attributes much of his success, leadership prowess, and future career goals to HSHT.

Lucas Tigre

Lucas Tigre

A talented artist and animator, Hillsborough County High School High Tech student Lucas Tigre attended the University of South Florida’s Arts4All Animation Camp and quickly impressed course instructor Dani Bowman. The instructor provided Lucas a scholarship to her advanced course, where he worked with his fellow students to create an animated film that was ultimately presented at Comic-Con. Lucas drew and animated the main character for the film, and also learned from Ms. Bowman about equipment and software that will increase his marketability to future employers.

Lucas was recognized at ServiceSource Florida’s most recent Service Excellence Awards luncheon and is ready to pursue studies in animation, art and information software after graduation. We are excited to see what he draws up next!

(Information and photo courtesy of ServiceSource.)

Learn More About The Able Trust's Youth Programs

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