The Georgia High School High Tech ProgramKaren Royston, Chief Executive Officer, Georgia Committee on Employment of

People with Disabilities, Inc.www.gacomm-hsht.org

From Learning to Earning: Transition from School to

Work

Every 26 seconds one student drops out of public school….

7,000 each day…1.2 million a year

Sources: America’s Promise Alliance and Do Something

Why Are Transition Services Needed?

� Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency� Partners in the Disability Field

¡ AMAC Accessibility Solutions & Research Center at Georgia Tech

� Community partners� Local school systems (54 school systems)� Employers

¡ ADP¡ CDC

HSHT Partnerships – Bridges to Success

Families

Advocacy Groups

Business Leaders& Employers

Colleges, Universities, &Technical Schools

Educators

GVRA

Students

Who is involved?

Strategies to Make A Difference

� Transition activities provided in an in-school model� Partnerships (working with partners with common

mission)� Developing relationships with school systems at their local

levels� Staff assigned logistically to service areas across the

state � Utilize research based guidelines for services that have

proven successful� Incentives to keep students engaged

HSHT Transition Activities

§ Tours of post-secondary education sites§ Industry site visits§ Self-advocacy training§ Job shadowing/job sampling§ Job readiness training§ Assistive technology training§ Career & transition days§ Computer competition incentive project§ Awards events to recognize the students’ successes

Industry Tour (Plant Vogtle)

Post Secondary Tour - Augusta Technical College

Job Sampling – Veterinarian Clinic & Culinary

The High Sc hoo l H igh Tec h c ompute r

i nc en t i ve p ro j ec t genera tes a l o t o f i n te res t w i th the

s tuden ts to par t i c i pa te i n the

p rogram & to s tay engaged i n the

p rogram

High School High Tech Computer Incentive Project

Approximately 1200 laptops, assistive technology, and electronic notepads have been awarded statewide.

Student Thank You Note:I really appreciated the generous donation. I value the fact that I was accepted to receive a laptop computer. It brings me great joy knowing that I will have extra help in my transition from high school to college. This computer is a great investment in my future. I know I will be able to keep up in school and challenge myself to be the best. The laptop will go to good use.

Thank You,Brandy

Laptops Make a Difference

SUCCESS – 89% Graduation Rate!!

2015-2016 School Year� 89% graduation rate - some HSHT sites reporting

95% (56.4% SWD graduation rate in Georgia)� Graduation from high school opens doors so

students can:¡ Apply & attend post-secondary education¡ Apply for & attain employment¡ Become employed above minimum wage¡ Gain independence¡ Follow their dreams!!

Next Steps to Serve More Students!!

� Implement a HSHT program in every school system in Georgia

� Diversify funding¡ Mix of public and private

funding� Broaden reach – start

working with students at a younger age

� Add additional core training curriculums

� Award scholarships� Host summer post-

secondary boot camps¡ AMAC at Georgia Tech