TALLAHASSEE —  The Able Trust is proud to announce that high school student Jose Tobar, who participates in The Able Trust’s High School High Tech program in Okeechobee County, has been awarded the Road to Independence and Success in Education (RISE) Scholarship, recognizing his achievements and supporting his next steps in education and career development.

For more than 30 years, The Able Trust has worked with students with disabilities across Florida to help strengthen their resiliency, discover career interests and learn workforce readiness skills. As its flagship youth initiative, the High School High Tech program helps students with disabilities build pathways to college or technical education and meaningful employment after graduation.

“High School High Tech helps students with disabilities learn that college and career success are achievable goals, but many families still face significant challenges when it comes to paying for postsecondary training,” said Allison Chase, President and CEO of The Able Trust. “These scholarships are more than financial aid; they are indicators of confidence and catalysts for change.”

About the Recipient

• Tobar plans to attend Indian River State College to pursue a career in video game development.

Student Voices

“The RISE Scholarship will give me a chance to follow my dream.”  - Jose Tobar

The Able Trust RISE scholarships are funded by a $45,000 contribution from AT&T. This gift reflects AT&T’s commitment to advancing education, strengthening communities, and improving lives.

The need for programs supporting students with disabilities during the transition from high school remains significant. According to the latest available statewide data, just 29.3% of Florida’s graduating students with disabilities enroll in postsecondary education after earning their high school diplomas.

By contrast, 61% of High School High Tech graduates reported plans to enroll in postsecondary education following graduation during the 2024–25 school year.

While many students with disabilities continue to face barriers to education and employment, programs like High School High Tech are helping create new pathways to success. Opportunities such as the RISE Scholarship further support this progress by reducing barriers at a pivotal stage in students’ educational journeys. Together, these efforts are empowering more students to move forward with confidence, clear goals, and meaningful opportunities while strengthening the future workforce.

About The Able Trust

Established in 1990 as the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, The Able Trust supports the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation by helping Floridians with disabilities achieve employment. Through partnerships with school districts, education foundations, and local nonprofits, The Able Trust prepares students with disabilities for life after high school. The Able Trust’s youth programs, including High School High Tech, help students with disabilities explore career and postsecondary options and build confidence for their futures.