RISE Scholarship Program for High School High Tech Students

The Able Trust partnered with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation in a one-to-one match to fund 46 Florida Prepaid College Plans for high school students with disabilities participating in High School High Tech (HSHT).

Award Amount: 1-Year Florida College Plans that provide one full year of tuition at any of Florida's 28 state colleges. The value of the plan can be applied at other public or private postsecondary institutions in Florida.

Geographic Scope: Florida statewide through High School High Tech programs

Focus Areas:

• Supporting students with disabilities in transitioning to postsecondary education
• Covering tuition or credit hour costs for technical or state college enrollment
• Paired with supportive coaching framework including:
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion
  • Career advising
  • College transition assistance

Eligibility Requirements:

• Active participation in a High School High Tech program
• Demonstrated intent to enroll at a Florida postsecondary institution
• High school graduating students

Award Timing: Scholarships awarded as 1-Year Florida College Plans given to graduating students to be used beginning in their fall semester in 2026

Background: Established to address barriers to postsecondary education for students with disabilities, including financial hardship and limited exposure to postsecondary options. For the 2024-25 school year, 61% of High School High Tech graduates indicated they plan to enroll in postsecondary institutions, compared to 28% of all Florida graduating students with disabilities.

Contact Information:

• The Able Trust
• 2039 Centre Pointe Blvd. Suite 101
• Tallahassee, FL 32308
• Phone: 850.224.4493
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.abletrust.org

Application Process

Eligibility & Selection:

1. Students must be actively participating in a High School High Tech program
2. Students must demonstrate intent to enroll at a Florida postsecondary institution
3. Awards are given to graduating high school students
4. 46 scholarships are available through the Florida Prepaid College Foundation partnership

Support Services Included:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion assistance
• Career advising
• College transition assistance

Award Use:

• 1-Year Florida College Plans can be used for any of Florida's 28 state colleges
• Value can be applied at other public or private postsecondary institutions in Florida
• Plans are to be used beginning in the student's fall semester in 2026

Note: Specific application procedures and deadlines should be obtained by contacting The Able Trust directly or through the High School High Tech coordinator at participating schools.