We are excited to share the news that a record number of applicants for the 2025-26 version of the Futures in Focus youth program likewise resulted in the most grants distributed to date. Programs in a total of ten counties were selected for funding.

This year's recipients include the Baker County Education Foundation; DeSoto County Education Foundation; Holmes County Education Foundation; the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.; Manatee Education Foundation; the Public Education Foundation of Marion County; the Education Foundation of Martin County; the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County; the Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools; and the FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools.

Now in its third year, the Futures in Focus program is supported by a partnership between the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and The Able Trust. The program provides Florida middle and high school students with disabilities the chance to engage in postsecondary education and career exploration activities. In its first two years, Futures in Focus introduced hundreds of students to future education and training options through engaging activities like running a custom dog biscuit business, pursuing professional certifications, and touring local hospitals to learn about the wide range of careers in the healthcare field.

We look forward to another outstanding year of Futures in Focus!

Duval County's High School High Tech students had a wonderful time meeting members of the Jacksonville Business Advisory Council (BAC) at an interactive event last month. The students took part in networking games and icebreakers, learned about The Able Trust and careers with local businesses, and took home swag bags.

We want to thank the staff at The Arc Jacksonville and BAC members Jacksonville Electrical Authority, the Jacksonville Sharks arena football team, Publix Super Markets, the Jacksonville Icemen hockey team, Alive Credit Union, the Jacksonville Humane Society, the Florida Theatre, Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Eco Relics, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Baseball Club, the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Sporting JAX, and the Church of Eleven22 for this terrific event.