The program works to help students with disabilities in Leon County and beyond.

• The High School Technology Program has been helping students with disabilities with job skills and higher education training for 30 years.
• It is administered by The Able Trust and Ability First locally at four Leon County schools along with Wakulla High and Madison County High.
• Watch the video to hear how a former student says it helped him.

TRANSCRIPT OF THE TRANSMISSION:

Only about 27.5% of Florida students with disabilities continue with educational or training programs after graduating from high school.

A program aims to change that.

Able Trust helps students here and in schools throughout Leon County neighborhoods prepare for the future through its High School High Tech program.

Zachary Staubitz said he had to overcome some challenges during his school years.

“I was diagnosed with ADHD and autism when I was 5 and 7,” Staubitz said.

He said he had some trouble concentrating and formulating concise goals for the future.

Staubitz attended Tallahassee State College, formerly Tallahassee Community College, and is now a student at Florida State University after completing the High School Technology Program.

“That’s when I found out what I wanted to major in, which was communications, which I’m passionate about,” Staubitz said.

The High School High Technology Programme was created by Able Trust.

It’s a group that partners with the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide students like Zachary with job skills training and preparation for higher education.

They partner with local nonprofit Ability First to assist students through aptitude testing, internships, job shadowing, and more.

The program is offered at four public and private schools in Leon County, as well as Wakulla High School and Madison County High School.

The Able Trust President and CEO Allison Chase said it’s necessary for students with disabilities across the state.

“Students served through High School High Tech often don’t see themselves pursuing post-secondary education, but it’s something we know they can do,” Chase said.

Their data shows that only about 27.5% of Florida students with disabilities continue on to higher education or training programs.

Through High School High Tech, that number rises to 54%.

Its goal is to increase its enrollment from 1,200 students statewide to 5,000 in four years.

Staubitz said he’s glad to see other students in Leon County and beyond gaining the skills they need to thrive.

“I don’t know where I’ll be in the future,” Staubitz said.

If your student is interested in the programme, please visit The Able Trust website.