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Guideposts for Success

The following highlights a few of the activities HSHT programs have used to meet the Guidepost requirements listed above.

School Based Preparatory Experiences:

• Hardee: Throughout the second quarter, students have been conducting their IEP meetings with school staff and families. This included meeting with their guidance counselors to review second semester class schedules and graduation requirements.

• Broward: HSHT seniors were involved in meetings that focused on college and career preparation, providing guidance on applications, financial aid and postsecondary planning.

Career Preparation and Work-Based Experiences

• Escambia : HSHT students went on a tour of the Kukua Robotic Institute where they were able to have hands-on experience building robots. Students learned how to do coding and how to program robots to talk and dance on their own. In addition, they experienced virtual reality, learned how a business operates, and how to create their very own blueprints for starting and building a business.

• Hernando: Mr. Taylor from the University of Florida Extension Office spoke to students about professionalism, higher education, certification programs, and trade schools. During a fiield trip and tour of the Botanical Gardens, they learned about qualifications the Gardens require as well as job opportunities and skills.

Congratulations to District Teacher of the Year

Hardee County honored its education professionals recently at the annual banquet to recognize its top educational support professionals and teachers from around the county. Lauren Foreman, a career technical education teacher at Hardee Senior High School and a HSHT coordinator, was named the district’s Teacher of the Year and received a $5,000 check with the honor.

Congratulations Lauren!

Student Success Story - Jamina

Jamina is a 17 year old student who is passionate about technology and video games. She will be the first generation in her family to graduate high school, and she struggled with feeling empowered to decide her future and explore career interests.

Jamina joined High School High Tech after attending a VR Pre-ETS program. She has learned how to be independent despite her visual disability. She also joined the robotics program at her high school and has developed communication and public speaking skills to advocate for her future. High School High Tech provides Jamina with career exploration activities and work experiences, and she plans to continue her education and pursue a career in computer engineering. 

High School High Tech Site Highlights

During the recent College Night presentation, ECMC Group provided attendees with a wealth of information about choosing the right school and program of study, setting achievable education goals, how to find key resources on campus, and more. Special congratulations to Alachua County student Myonna, who won our $1,000 scholarship drawing for student attendees! We know that money will be very useful as she plans her next steps after graduation.

Broward County helped connect high school students with disabilities to career exploration activities, postsecondary education options, and skills development in a recent tour of a fire station. This recent fire station tour led by the Broward Sheriff's Office provided real-world insights about in-demand career fields, helping these students learn about a career option they might not have considered.

Students with the Duval HSHT program experienced what it's like on a Coast Guard Cutter. For several students, this was their first time on any type of boat, and they learned about the various jobs that are available and the benefits of enlisting in the Coast Guard. Students also learned that no experience is needed and the Coast Guard provides training and on-the-job experience.

Upcoming Opportunities

Teen Day at the Capitol 2025

High School students across Florida are invited to participate in a unique opportunity to voice their opinions, raise concerns and ask questions about youth programs and issues impacting their lives. This ticketed event is designed for teenagers who want to learn about state government, politics, and how to make their voices heard. Students will engage with lobbyists and law makers, tour the capitol, and gain a deeper understanding of how our state government works.

For HSHT programs, this event offers the opportunity for students to strengthen leadership skills, sharpen analytical thinking skills and meet community service hour requirements.

To register or for additional information, CLICK HERE.

Free AI Literacy Course for Students

Scholar Education AI is offering a free course -- AI Literacy for Students— designed for grades 6–12. This engaging, one-hour course gives students an accessible and impactful introduction to artificial intelligence. Here’s what they’ll explore:

• What is AI? – The foundations of artificial intelligence.
• AI Ethics & Responsible Usage – How to approach AI with care.
• Bias in Technology – Spotting and understanding bias in AI.
• Safety in an AI-Driven World – Tips for staying safe with AI tools.
• Real-World Applications – Where AI is shaping our lives today!

This isn’t a long-term commitment—just a quick, impactful way to equip today’s students with the knowledge they’ll need for tomorrow’s world.

For Information, CLICK HERE.

The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, is a 501(c)(3) public charity established by the Florida Legislature in 1990 as a direct support organization for the 

Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The mission of The Able Trust is to advance employment for Floridians with disabilities through engagement, investment, and collaboration.

www.abletrust.org