Helping High School Students with Disabilities Reach their
Helping High School Students with Disabilities Reach their full Potential
as of fall 2012, 347, 712 or 13% of students enrolled in a public Florida school have a disability Of those students, only 44% will graduate high school As reported by Florida Department of Education 2010 -2011 study, National Center for Learning Disabilities
A 2013 study found that only 50% of college graduates felt they were prepared for work The same study found that only 39% of employers felt graduates were prepared Bridge the Gap: Analyzing the Student Skill Index, Chegg
High School High Tech (HSHT) combats the drop out rate of high school students with disabilities… …and helps to increase employability of people with disabilities
Background HSHT began in Los Angeles in 1983 as a way to encourage students with disabilities to pursue what is now known as STEM careers. NASA learned about HSHT in the 90 s, who then expanded the program to Florida and several other states
Background The Able Trust adopted the program in the late 90 s and began expanding … …to 39 sites, in 38 counties, serving an average 1500 students yearly
…so what is HSHT?
A career exploration program for high school students with disabilities-with a focus on STEM careers SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING MATH
HSHT Objectives
Provide students the necessary support and encouragement to graduate high school Building self-esteem Teaching self advocacy Creating support network Increasing parental involvement of peers and adults
Speakers Tours Expose students to a wide Prep & variety of careers through Planning different experiences Internships Job Shadowing
School visits Career planning Ensure students have goals and a plan for their lives upon high Connect with resources school graduation
How HSHT works
The Able Trust Businesses& Employers Host Organization Parents School System Partner Agencies
HSHT Students :
Attend meetings and workshops
Visit businesses
Just be kids and have fun
Meet industry professionals
Job Shadow
Have internships
Community Involvement HSHT Success
Community Partners to: • Speaker at program workshops • Welcome students for job shadowing & site tours • Host students for internships • Join business advisory council
Thank You ; any questions?
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