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Welcome to the May 2025 edition of The Able Trust's Empower newsletter. Read on to learn how Florida's state colleges are keeping up with the needs of students with disabilities, meet a High School High Tech (HSHT) alumnus who took his outstanding leadership skills to the Navy, and more!

The Madison County High School High Tech program recently held an end-of-year celebration, recognizing their graduating seniors and welcoming local education dignitaries to learn about the students' fulfilling year of career exploration, college tours, and community involvement.

Tony Carvajal, Association of Florida Colleges

In our latest Partner Perspectives feature, Tony Carvajal, CEO and Executive Director of the Association of Florida Colleges, offers his insights on the challenges today's college students face and the resources available to students with disabilities throughout the Florida College System.

Across nine Florida counties this year, The Able Trust Futures in Focus program connected over 600 students with disabilities to a wide range of enriching career exploration and soft skills activities. Students in Martin County learned about entrepreneurship and customer service through their on-campus business the Barkery, a successful dog biscuit bakery.

Check out our Futures in Focus page for more great highlights!

Gulf HSHT Grad Excels in Naval Training

After emerging as a leader among his peers while in the Gulf County High School High Tech program and graduating from Wewahitchka High School, Aden enlisted in the United States Navy. Visit our Newsroom to read about how High School High Tech helped prepare Aden for a smooth transition to a great experience so far in the service.

Interested in Strengthening

High School High Tech?

- Would you host a tour of your business or industry for your local High School High Tech students?

- Interested in speaking to HSHT students about college or training programs?

Let us connect you to your local HSHT program coordinator so you can make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities.

Invest in Florida's Future Workforce

Investing in preparing students with disabilities for postsecondary success helps nurture a stronger talent pipeline for Florida at large.

As our state’s workforce continues to evolve, it is imperative that we focus on opportunities to provide students with disabilities with the tools to adapt, grow, and advance in their chosen fields. Click below to learn about why people support our youth programs.

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 advance employment for Floridians with disabilities through engagement, investment, and collaboration.