The Able Trust Summer Program at USF Highlights Support of CTE Pathways

Submitted by The Able Trust

For over 25 years, The Able Trust’s High School High Tech (HSHT) program has given high school students with disabilities opportunities to explore jobs and postsecondary education leading to in-demand careers. Through this program, The Able Trust supports and encourages student participation in career and technical education pathways – a proven method of increasing the potential for financial prosperity and independence for persons with disabilities.

This summer, The Able Trust will provide HSHT students who have an interest in a career in nursing with the opportunity to attend a summer program hosted by the University of South Florida College of Nursing. The two-day Nursing Summer Scholars Program will include sessions focused on the role of a professional nurse and different career opportunities in the field. Students participating in the summer program will receive guidance and encouragement while participating in engaging activities.

The goals of the program are to:

• Introduce students to the nursing profession through hands-on learning experiences;

• Give students the opportunity to form connections with peers who have similar career and educational goals; and

• Engage and inspire participants to pursue a career in nursing.

This type of experience is just one way in which HSHT creates pathways to CTE careers at and beyond each of the program’s 43 sites throughout Florida. HSHT links students with disabilities to a broad range of academic, career development and experiential resources, enabling the students to learn by doing and preparing them to better meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

HSHT has been shown to reduce dropout rates and improve the self-esteem of participating students, and 99% of seniors participating in the program successfully graduate high school. In addition, 756 HSHT students completed a career experience during the 2021-22 school year.

To learn more about High School High Tech, visit https://www.abletrust.org/highschool-high-tech/.

The Able Trust 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 be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment.