Crossing the Stage Celebration
Thank You for Joining the Celebration!
Thank you for attending The Able Trust’s Crossing the Stage Celebration. It was a wonderful evening where we heard from inspiring speakers and had the opportunity to recognize two very important supporters of The Able Trust youth programs for students with disabilities.
Award Honorees:
- Senator Nick DiCeglie was given an award for Legislator of the Year. This award recognizes his support of High School High Tech and we appreciate his leadership in ensuring The Able Trust youth programs have the opportunity to continue to grow to reach more students across Florida.
- John R. Pettingill was named Philanthropist of the Year (posthumously) for his many years of supporting The Able Trust youth programs. Nancy Kline, longtime friend and advisor, accepted the award on his behalf.
Special thanks to our keynote speaker John Thrasher who discussed the development of The Able Trust by the Florida Legislature in 1990 and described it as … a visionary, solution-oriented personal program, one that is managed by caring, compassionate staff of professionals, working with partners across the state and giving these young people with unique abilities a pathway to success and productive future.
We also heard from High School High Tech alumna Whitney Doyle who shared her own experience in The Able Trust youth programs and their impact on her decisions after high school:
The Able Trust youth programming has been changing lives for more than 30 years and I am so thrilled to share with you that I am one of those individuals who went through Able Trust programming in high school and transitioned out of high school so much better for it.
We are so appreciative of everyone who joined us, and we look forward to sharing more about The Able Trust youth programs and the students across Florida who are crossing the stage during graduation with a strong path forward.
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About High School High Tech
The Able Trust’s High School High Tech (HSHT) program provides Florida high school students with all types of disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs or postsecondary education leading to in-demand careers.
From Miami to Pensacola and all across Florida, HSHT connects high school students with disabilities to career exploration activities, postsecondary education options, and skills development. This year, we are excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of HSHT and the impact this program is having on students with disabilities, helping them recognize their employment potential.
HSHT students receive transition services based on the nationally recognized Guideposts for Success that include:
- School-based preparatory experiences,
- Career preparation and work-based learning,
- Connecting activities,
- Youth leadership and development,
- Family involvement and support, and
- Communication skills.
In addition to providing important transition services, participation in HSHT programs helps ensure students graduate from high school and it improves student participation in education, vocational, and employment-related activities following graduation.
HSHT is a community-based partnership made up of students, parents and caregivers, businesses, educators and rehabilitation professionals. It has been shown to reduce the high school dropout rate and increase the overall self-esteem of participating students, helping them see future employment possibilities they might not have thought possible. If you are interested in participating, there is a role for you.
Happy
Anniversary!
Anniversary!
As we celebrate 30 years of working with students with disabilities across Florida, click here to learn more about the history of High School High Tech and find out what HSHT students are saying about the benefits of participating.
As a freshman, I was in the program thinking this is just a program to join. I wasn't really thinking about college and the future. But, it helps me know what I want to do after high school. Since we've visited college and campus tours, it gives me an idea of what I want to do outside of high school. It's really helped me mentally know what I want to do in life. That's what I take from HSHT.
High School High Tech students receive transition services based on nationally recognized Guideposts for Success: school-based preparatory experiences, career preparation and work-based learning, connecting activities, youth leadership and development, family involvement and support and communication skills.
As shown in the graphic above, outcomes for 2023-24 included:
- 1,269 Student Participants
- 984 Students participated in a career experience (paid employment, internship, volunteering, school-based enterprise or career certification)
- 99% Graduation Rate Among Seniors
This project funded by The Able Trust and the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).
Florida’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program serves youth with disabilities transitioning from school to work and has partnered with the HSHT initiative to meet the needs of these students. VR Transition services are designed to assist students with disabilities from high school to a successful employment outcome and a role in the community as a productive citizen. Learn more about he VR School-to-Work Transition Program at 850-245-3399 or rehabworks.org.
Our Partners Across Florida
