"Receiving this scholarship boosted my self-confidence. It feels like a powerful validation of my hard work and potential."

We are thrilled to announce the names of the 34 High School High Tech (HSHT) soon-to-be graduates who were selected to receive The Able Trust Road to Independence and Success in Education (RISE) Scholarships. The recipients represent a total of 17 counties stretching from the Panhandle to South Florida.

These awards, funded through generous contributions from our friends at AT&T and the Helios Education Foundation, were created to assist HSHT students with disabilities who plan to pursue postsecondary education after graduation. Each RISE scholarship covers tuition or credit hour costs for one year of technical or state college enrollment. The funds may also be applied toward tuition at a Florida university.

RISE scholarship recipients will attend a wide range of schools including Hillsborough Community College, the University of North Florida, Big Bend Technical College, Gulf Coast State College, Florida International University and more. Their future career goals are similarly unique; individual awardees hope to become a psychologist, another a police officer, another a lawyer, and the list goes on.

We are certain these scholars will go on to accomplish great things, and can't wait to share more of their stories with you!

"My willingness [to give to The Able Trust] was based on my confidence in the organization's plan for growth and its strong stewardship of donor investments."

We had the great privilege of recognizing Jay Newman as our Philanthropist of the Year at an appreciation breakfast for some of our Tallahassee-area supporters. In his remarks Jay discussed his connection to the mission of The Able Trust and his inspiration to help more of Florida's students with disabilities achieve their education and career goals, as well as sharing his own experience of growing up with and overcoming a speech impediment.

We are deeply grateful for Jay’s friendship and the impact of supporters who help advance our mission every day. Visit our website to meet more of our supporters and learn why they give their time and treasure to The Able Trust.

"High School High Tech did more than help me choose a career path—it taught me how to find my voice."

Living with hearing loss made Leila Burgess feel isolated and afraid to communicate. When she joined Broward County South's High School High Tech (HSHT) program, Leila found a community of supportive, motivating forces that helped her develop the self-advocacy skills to run for HSHT program president, attend Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, pursue a future career in the dental field and more. Her story is a great example of how our youth programs help students realize they can achieve success beyond high school graduation.