Florida High School/High Tech

Promoting Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology Careers for Students with Disabilities

"Offering students the opportunity to explore professional options leading to high wage positions based on their abilities, not disabilities."

What is High School/High Tech?

High School/High Tech is a national initiative of the US Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy.  It is sponsored in Florida by The Able Trust, a non-profit foundation providing support for the employment of Floridians with disabilities.

High School/High Tech is a community-based partnership of parents, educators, rehabilitation professionals, and business representatives.  Its purpose is to encourage students with disabilities in grades 9-12 to explore their own interests and potential in science, engineering, math and technology and aim for college and a degree in their chosen field.

Program Activities Include:

Corporate Site Visits to laboratories, manufacturing plants and high-tech offices;

Mentoring by professionals serving as career advisors to students;

Shadowing in which students spend time observing professionals at work;

Guest Speakers who inform student groups about their work; and

Employment through summer internships or part-time positions that provide on-the-job experiences in scientific and technology-related fields.

Student Participation

High School/High Tech is geared toward students with physical, sensory or learning disabilities.  Eligible students must be enrolled in the regular diploma program and be in grades 9-12.  Students should have an interest in exploring high technology careers in math, the sciences, engineering, or computer programming industry and have the potential for pursuing post-secondary education or training.

In Marion County contact:

Emma Eldred

High School/High Tech Coordinator

Center for Independent Living

3445 N.E. 24th Street

Ocala, FL 34470

Phone: (352) 368-3788

TDD: (352) 368-2969

Fax: (352) 629-0098

Currently, there are 80 projects in 23 states and counting.  The Able Trust sponsors the Florida High School/High Tech program, which has fifteen sites located across the state.  For a complete listing of High School/High Tech sites, visit The Able Trust website at www.abletrust.org or call State Coordinator Donna Mundy at (321) 631-5047.

Corporate Involvement