The Able Trust Partners with FUTURES Foundation to Expand Program for Students with Disabilities

Students in Volusia County will benefit from a statewide investment by The Able Trust through Futures in Focus, a career and postsecondary education exploration program for students with disabilities in grades 8 to 12. With support facilitated by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, FUTURES Foundation & the Volusia County Schools Exceptional Student Education Department (ESE) will coordinate campus and employer visits, career-readiness workshops, and connections with Florida Department of Education Vocational Rehabilitation to help students plan next steps after high school.

Volusia County Schools is committed to families and students' gaining knowledge in the educational resources available by participating in experiences and/or activities that will lead to increased employment. Students will tour agencies and post-secondary schools that are geared specifically to students with disabilities. These agencies will share resources with students and families so that they can make informed decisions about their future after high school. Our vision is to connect and build capacity to primary caregivers and students in Volusia County to agencies that provide services to help people with disabilities prepare for, secure, and maintain employment by offering individualized support like career counseling, training, assistive technology, and job placement assistance. These activities will include visiting post-secondary institutions, visiting jobs to have work-based learning experiences, speaking to representatives that will provide information on work after high school and creating a vision board.

“FUTURES is proud to partner with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations to provide funding that directly benefits Volusia County Schools.  Grants like Futures in Focus allow us to connect students and families with meaningful experiences and resources that prepare them for success beyond high school,” said Shimene Shepard, FUTURES Foundation Executive Director.

"Volusia County Schools is committed to ensuring every student, regardless of ability, can envision and pursue a future filled with purpose and possibility,” said Superintendent Dr. Carmen J Balgobin. “Through the Futures in Focus initiative, powered by The Able Trust and supported by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, we are opening doors that many students never imagined possible. These experiences, from college tours to career-readiness workshops, are not just activities but life-changing moments. We are proud to stand beside our students as they discover their strengths, build confidence, and take bold steps toward a future of independence and achievement."

Founded in 1985, FUTURES is a nonprofit, direct support organization for Volusia County Schools. Its mission is to engage business, civic, and district leaders to promote and achieve educational excellence for Volusia County Public Schools. FUTURES’s 32-member board of directors consists of area leaders who direct and raise funds to facilitate a variety of programs in the school district. For additional information about FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools, please contact Executive Director Shimene Shepard at 386.255.6475, ext. 50730, or futuresfoundation@volusia.k12.fl.us, or visit its website at www.FUTURESVolusia.org.

Photo 1 & 2: Project SEARCH Graduation