Meet Our New Ambassadors!

December 2023

Meet Our High School High Tech Ambassadors

We are excited to announce The Able Trust is adding a new dimension to its Florida High School High Tech (HSHT) program for high school students with disabilities. We recently launched the High School High Tech Ambassador Scholarship program for senior high school students interested in strengthening their workforce readiness skills and becoming more involved in their communities.

During the school year, the ambassadors will have the opportunity to meet local business leaders, make presentations to The Able Trust Board of Directors and strengthen their communications skills. In addition, each ambassador will receive a $500 scholarship to use to further their education or workforce training.

The first group of HSHT ambassadors includes three students chosen for their active participation in High School High Tech and compelling video presentations:

Will Carpenter of Jacksonville participates in the Duval County HSHT program. Carpenter plans to attend college and pursue a career as a firefighter after graduation.

Jaycee Moser of Clermont is a member of the Orange County HSHT program. Moser will attend Valencia College and transfer to a four-year program with the goal of becoming a teacher.

Damian Smith of Orlando also participates in Orange County HSHT. Currently employed at Subway, Smith aims to study computer engineering at Florida Polytechnic University.

Congratulations

Will, Jaycee and Damian!

Be sure to follow us on social media to see updates on our Ambassadors and their activities in 2024!

Expanding Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

If you follow The Able Trust on social media, you saw the recent posts illustrating the accomplishments of High School High Tech students.

For the 2022-23 school year:

- 99% of High School High Tech students graduated high school and

- 88% of graduates went on to postsecondary education or employment.

These outcomes are a testament to the hard work of the students and HSHT coordinators, and illustrate this program's success at helping students with disabilities imagine a brighter future.

As we plan for the new year, we look forward to seeing our HSHT Ambassadors gain valuable experience and share their stories about the benefits of participating in HSHT. We also look forward to the statewide Project Venture competition, and the new twist this year is the introduction of mobile businesses to the business development requirements. We also have plans to reach even more students with disabilities in Florida and additional details are coming soon.

Florida's workforce will be made stronger as we strengthen our talent pipeline. The Able Trust and our partners around Florida are committed to ensuring students with disabilities are part of that strong talent pipeline.

We look forward to an exciting new year and all of us at The Able Trust wish you all Happy Holidays!

Allison Chase

President & CEO

High School High Tech Champion

HSHT is a community-based partnership and its success depends on the involvement of parents and caregivers, businesses, educators and rehabilitation professionals.

One local champion is Aladdin Equipment Company owner Carrie Collins, who is a shining example of a business leader who has helped improve the career prospects of students with disabilities. A member of the High School High Tech Business Advisory Council, Carrie works with The Haven Academy's Manatee and Sarasota HSHT programs.

Her company has brought HSHT students from The Haven on as interns at the long-standing pool and spa parts manufacturing company for the past four years. In addition, Carrie has hired The Haven's students for summer work as well as finding tours, guest speakers and internships for the students. The business community is vital to helping HSHT students understand their future workforce options.

If you would like to speak to the HSHT students in your area, please contact State Director Coleen Agner at [email protected] to get you connected.

Learn More

Happy Holidays!

Please click on the video below for a message from the team

at The Able Trust

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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. Its mission is to be a key leader in providing

Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment.

The Able Trust | Contact Us | FAQs

December 2023

Meet Our High School High Tech Ambassadors

Expanding Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

High School High Tech Champion

Happy Holidays!﻿

Happy Holidays!