Program to help disabled students enter tech careers

PALM COAST — The Flagler County Education Foundation recently accepted a $22,000 check from The Able Trust to create a High School High Tech program at the county's two high schools.

The 19-year-old program provides high school students who have disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs or postsecondary education leading to technology-related careers.

"We are incredibly proud of our HSHT Program, which in 2017 achieved a graduation rate of greater than 99 percent of all participating seniors, and we look forward to working with the Flagler County Education Foundation to successfully effectuate this program here," said Susanne Homant, president and CEO of the trust.

Homant cited research showing that people with disabilities are at least twice as likely to be unemployed as the general population.

"We all want you to have the future of your dreams to the very top of your ability," she said Thursday.

At least 15 students will take part in the Flagler County program.

"We are proud and excited to bring this program to our students with disabilities," said Tim King, director of Exceptional Student Education for Flagler Schools. "We are passionate about ensuring all our students have the same opportunities."

Eighty-five percent of High School High Tech graduates in Florida have entered postsecondary education or employment compared to 43 percent of other graduates with disabilities in the Sunshine State.

The program is offered at high schools and alternative education settings -- including Department of Juvenile Justice facilities -- in 40 Florida counties.

"Flagler Schools is big on developing programs such as our Classrooms to Careers initiative that ties what we do in our schools to careers found right here in Flagler County," said Joe Rizzo, executive director of the Flagler County Education Foundation. "To be able to help students with disabilities achieve success in high-tech careers is important to all of us."

Kimberli Halliday, Flagler Schools' Transition coordinator, said, "This is a great opportunity for our high school students with disabilities to enhance their preparedness for a technical workforce."

To learn more about the program, go to abletrust.org/youth-programs/florida-high-school-high-tech.