Tallahassee, Fla. — The Able Trust has received a $500,000 grant from Helios Education Foundation to expand programs that prepare Florida high school students with disabilities for postsecondary education and career success.
The three-year grant will support enhancements to High School High Tech, The Able Trust’s flagship youth program, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Helios Education Foundation funding will enhance the program’s capacity to support students in successfully transitioning from high school to post-secondary education.
“We are honored to partner with Helios Education Foundation on this important work,” said Allison Chase, President and CEO of The Able Trust. “Together, we’re working to ensure that more students with disabilities have the support, resources and opportunities they need to succeed in college and beyond.”
Statewide, only 28% of Florida students with disabilities pursue education or training after high school compared to 54% of High School High Tech students who plan on pursuing postsecondary education. The Able Trust is delivering a successful program that increases awareness of postsecondary options and promotes employment readiness.
“We’re proud to support The Able Trust as they work to advance educational success across the Central and South Florida region,” said Paul J. Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation. “They are on the frontlines of change—removing barriers to postsecondary achievement and creating new opportunities for students to thrive. We’re excited to partner on this important work.”
The Helios Education Foundation grant will enable The Able Trust to develop and pilot activities and resources that strengthen and improve High School High Tech in Orange and Broward Counties, two long-standing programs that serve youth with a wide range of disabilities. Through this grant, The Able Trust will ensure more students with disabilities are given the opportunity to learn about future education and career options, and set them on a more successful path to employment.