- April 23, 2024
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by: Donna H. Wright
Director of Development and Marketing, The Able Trust
Matanzas High School took third place in the second-annual Project Venture Business Development Competition. Their project was called Pirate Press, offering a variety of apparel and merchandise with in house or customized vinyl or ink graphics, with the slogan "Yer One Stop Shop." The video of their commercial can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/532407659
Project Venture is a competition for the state’s High School High Tech programs and challenges students to develop a business plan proposal and accompanying commercial. This competition allows students to develop and hone their communication, critical thinking and teamwork skills in a workplace related simulation.
This year’s event was presented in part by CareerSource Florida, Florida Department of Education Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and The Batchelor Foundation.
The Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and The Able Trust partners with organizations around the state, including Ability 1st Leon County, District School Board of Madison County, Education Foundation of Lake County, Flagler County Education Foundation and Polk County Public Schools, to provide key services to high school students with disabilities and their families.
During the 2020-2021 school year, the HSHT program served more than 1,000 students with disabilities at 43 sites in 40 counties and achieved a graduation rate of 99% for all participating seniors. The program has a 77% continuing education rate which they want to see increase every year.
Results of the 2021 Project Venture Competition:
“The Able Trust is excited at the level of participation and quality of projects in this year’s completion in spite of covid-related hurdles,” said Joseph D’Souza, state director, High School High Tech. “Our High School High tech students are truly a creative and innovative group, and the Project Venture competition really lets them shine. Participating in High School High Tech is a choice for our students. They are go-getters.”
Laurie Sallarulo, chair of the Board of Directors for The Able Trust and president and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida, added: "The skills and confidence these students gain through the High School High Tech program will undoubtably help them on their journey to college and career.”
