We are excited to announce that the Georgia High School High Tech Program has been selected as a Zero Project Innovative Practice for 2017.  The Georgia High School High Tech Program was nominated for this recognition by our partners at AMAC. This year, 260 innovative solutions concerning Employment, Work and Vocational Education and Training were nominated by the Zero Project’s network of experts from around the world. Out of these, 68 Innovative Practices and  Policies have been selected as the most outstanding.The Zero Project supports decision-makers and opinion leaders in their efforts to implement the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) worldwide.  This is the final result of a multi-state selection process where a multitude of experts from around the world participated and voted.  

The Zero Project focuses on the rights of persons with disabilities globally.  It provides a platform where the most innovative and effective solutions to problems that persons with disabilities face, are shared.  It's sole objective is to assist in creating a world without barriers.

The Georgia High School High Tech program is honored to have been selected as an Innovative Practice for 2017 by Zero Project.  ​

The Augusta Area High School  High Tech Program hosted a College Fair and Resource Day on November 2 to give the High School High Tech students an opportunity to talk individually with post-secondary institutions, community partners, and local employers.  There were over 280 High School High Tech students that attended and participated in this event from Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie, Burke and Curtis Baptist school systems. There was a presentation from Georgia Futures on financial aid available to assist students who want to attend post-secondary education.  This event gives the students an opportunity to start making decisions and plans for their futures after graduation from high school.  ​

On October 25, 2016 High School High Tech students from Stephens County High School and Barrow County school system toured McLane Southeast and received a presentation on career opportunities, employment expectations, and a tour of the facility.  The students also visited Athens Technical College and were given presentations by staff in  Admissions, Financial Aide and Disability Services.  The students also toured the campus so they could see all the types of programs that are offered at this campus.   

The Muscogee County High School High Tech program hosted a High School High Tech Rally at Columbus State University on October 7, 2016.  There were over 120 High School High Tech students from the Muscogee county school system that attended and participated in this transition activity.  The students attended training sessions on Knowledge Beyond the Classroom, Self-Advocacy Training, Disability Awareness, and Making New Connections.  The students received a lot of great information in one day at this event on job readiness, self-advocacy, Vocational Rehabilitation services and disability awareness.  Partners that assisted with this rally were Muscogee County school staff, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, Columbus State University staff and Georgia High School High Tech staff.  Paula Dukes with the Muscogee County school system coordinated this event. 

On September 22, the Dublin Area High School High Tech program hosted a Motivational Training Event to Kick-Off the beginning of another highly successful school year for HSHT students from:  Dublin City, West and East Laurens, Dodge, and Bleckley County school systems.  The keynote speaker, Eddie Slowikowski, encouraged students to cultivate positive change by discovering their purpose, igniting their passion, recognizing that it takes hard work to reach your goals, and becoming the best version of yourself.  Students also had an opportunity to learn about various careers in their local communities from a panel of volunteers currently enjoying successful careers in medicine, management, law enforcement, and music.  A senior and current HSHT student gave a presentation and encouraged the group to take advantage of the many experiences provided by HSHT, such as job shadowing, college tours, resume development, completing a job application, and industry tours.  She believes that these experiences will help her to graduate high school, attend post-secondary education, and successfully reach her goal as a Pre-School Teacher.  Sandi Dixon and the Dublin Vocational Rehabilitation Office coordinated the informative and motivational event.

The Augusta Area High School High Tech program hosted a High School High Tech (HSHT) Motivational Event on September 21.  There were over 250 High School High Tech students from Richmond, Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, Wilkes and Curtis Baptist that attended and participated in the event.  A speaker from Easter Seals gave the students a presentation to assist them with becoming more prepared for employment. The keynote speaker was Eddie Slowikowski and he encouraged students to cultivate positive change by discovering their purpose, igniting their passion, recognizing that it takes hard work to reach your goals, and becoming the best version of yourself.  This event encourages the students to participate in the transition activities that will be coordinated throughout the year to assist them with being more prepared for their transition after high school.

The Glynn County High School High Tech students met for their Motivational Kick-Off Training Tuesday, September 20. The Georgia High School High Tech program provides transition activities for students with all types of disabilities to help prepare them for post-secondary education and employment. The guest speaker for the Kick Off event was Grayson Marshall Jr, “Do Positive, Just Because”. He spoke to students about the 5 keys to living the life you have always wanted from his recently published book. The High School High Tech Program is currently offered to juniors and seniors in Glynn County school system at Brunswick High School, Glynn Academy, and Morningstar Academy.

Appling County High School, High School High Tech students, toured Coastal Pines Technical College in Jesup, GA and Baxley, GA on May 3, 2016. Students were able to meet with instructors to gain information about the courses offered.  Several students are interested in pursuing their education at Coastal Pines Technical College.  Within the group, there were students that were End of Pathway Completers in Welding, Healthcare Science and Early Childhood Education.  Thank you HSHT for your support in getting students educated on the opportunities they have in post-secondary education.

The Augusta Area High School High Tech Program hosted their annual College Fair and Resource Day in October 2015.  There were over 200 High School High Tech students that attended from Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie and Burke counties.  There were over 30 employers and community partners that attended.  The College Fair and Resource Day offers the students an opportunity to get information from post secondary schools, employers and community partners to start developing their plans for after graduation.  At the beginning of the event, there was a speaker from ADP who presented information to the students on presenting yourself for an interview and she also presented information on appropriate social media etiquette to the students.    ​

Mr. Charles Kern  of Goodwill North Georgia made a presentation to the Rabun County High School High Tech students on "How to Present Yourself to Employers".  Mr. Kern discussed the many aspects of presenting yourself to an employer in an interview.  Topics included:  proper appearance, self-confidence, being prepared, enthusiasm, and attitude.   The session was very interactive and the students asked important questions.  

The Georgia High School High Tech sites were busy providing transition activities to students who were participating in the High School High Tech program during the quarter ending December 31, 2014.  A short summary of some of the transition activities that the students participated in is listed below. 

Berrien County High School High Tech Program

 Berrien County High School High Tech students along with the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and CTI Coordinator toured the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.  The visit provided a full tour by tour guides of the campus, admissions, disability offices as well as dorm rooms, and other facilities to give the students an overall experience of what is to be expected if they were to attend this college. Information was given to each student on the process and documentation needed to apply at this site.

Bleckley County High School High Tech Program

On December 2, 2014, students participating in the High School High Tech program and their parents were provided a Financial Aid presentation by Carol Lott of the Georgia Finance Commission.  Staff of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency hosted the event. Ms. Lott used a power point presentation to provide students and parents information about paying for college.  She explained the basic eligibility requirements for financial aid, completing the FAFSA online, how financial aid is calculated, federal financial aid programs and Georgia financial aid programs.  The HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships, along with HOPE Grant and HOPE GED Grant were explained.  An explanation of basic financial aid terms were covered to ensure the students’ understanding when completing forms.  Families were given a high school checklist to use as a guide for staying on track for graduation.

Bibb County High School High Tech Program

On October 2, 2014 students in the Bibb County High School High Tech program participated in an informative tour of Roosevelt Warm Springs to assist with planning for attendance to  job training.  Students gained information to assist with post-secondary planning and help families determine if Roosevelt Warm Springs is the place for their student after high school graduation.

Brooks County High School High Tech Program

On November 13, 2014, Vocational Rehabilitation staff assisted Brooks County High School High Tech students with Career Day at Wiregrass GA Technical College.  Students were given the opportunity to interact with other students from other schools with the different activities.  Information was presented to students on programs such as Early Childhood, Cosmetology, Graphic Arts, Fire Rescue, and Culinary Arts that are offered by the College. 

Vocational Rehabilitation staff have scheduled workshops for the High School High Tech students in Brooks County.  Below is some information on the workshops that have been provided

The first week the topics of discussion were goal setting and self-advocacy.  In the second week , a brief overview of last week’s discussion on goal setting and self-advocacy was held.  All of the students actively participated. The students were given an activity in which they were to pick 5 of the 10 things on a list that was distributed that were of value to them.  After the activity, enthusiasm and attitude were discussed. The students were able to discuss how having a positive attitude and enthusiasm plays a part in your success. They were given the Transition to Work an inventory assessment to help guide them on what career paths they should probably pursue. The assessments will be reviewed with the students on the next workshop.

On the third week,  he results of the assessments that the students participated in were reviewed and discussed. The students were showed their three top interests from the Transition to Work Inventory assessment. The specific jobs from the Work Inventory assessment  from each one of the top careers they had an interest in were discussed.

On the fourth week of the workshops, the students were shown a You-Tube video called Attitude-It’s Your Choice. After the video, a discussions was held on the importance of a positive attitude in everyday life. We also discussed how a negative attitude could have a bad effect on their employment.

Columbia County High School High Tech

The students from Columbia County participated in two events this quarter. The HSHT students from Columbia County attended the College and Career Resource Day which allowed the students to talk individually to College and Career representatives that they have an interest in attending.  Speakers include the Director of Counseling and Disability Services from East Georgia College who encouraged the students to self advocate for themselves for accommodations in post secondary education.  Chief Bryan Rude who worked with Cyber Command at Ft. Gordon also made a presentation. He discussed what Cyber Command does and shared information about the types of jobs that will be available at Ft. Gordon.  The students received good information from both of these speakers. There were approximately 19 College Representatives and 10 Business representatives attending to give information to the students. Students in Columbia County also attended the East Georgia State College tour. Information was given on steps needed to apply for college and also financial aid.  Students were allowed to tour the school in the area of study they are interested in pursuing.  Some students who are also enrolled the High Achiever's Program, a partnership with the Georgia Committee and East Central Georgia Consortium, attended a Post Secondary Workshop with their parents. A presentation from a representative with the Georgia Student Finance Commission gave information about steps to take to apply for Pell Grant and also HOPE Scholarship and HOPE Grant to assist with paying for post secondary education. She provided education on academic criteria that must be met for a student to qualify for HOPE and discussed some of the financial criteria for obtaining Pell Grant.

Echols County High School High Tech Program

Vocational Rehabilitation staff  scheduled several workshops with the High School High Tech students in Echols County.  Listed below is the list of the workshops and the topics presented:

Workshop on 9-24-14:  Topics of discussion were:  Developing and practicing your 30 second networking or “elevator” speech, Enthusiasm & Attitude/Employer Expectations/First Impressions (Attitudes, Hygiene, and Grooming).  An activity (Life is Full of Hard Knocks) was shared with the group in reference to the Success or Failure of 10 famous people.  The group was divided into 2 groups of 5 participants each.

Workshop on 10-8-14:   Topics of discussion were: Identifying your skills, Setting Career Goals, Positive Mental Attitude, Personal Interests, and Developing and practicing your 30 second networking or "elevator" speech. Students actively participated in all topics of discussion.

Workshop on 10-22-14:  At the next workshop coordinated by Vocational Rehabilitation staff, topics of discussion were: Teamwork and Job Retention. The "elevator speech" was reviewed and practiced. The following activities were conducted with group and individual participation: Teamwork Quotes, How Many Shapes Does it Take/Which Shape are You, and Teamwork on the Job. Students participated well in each activity.

Workshop on 11-5-14: Topics of discussion were: Networking/Looking For Jobs/Job Applications. The "elevator speech" was once again reviewed and practiced. The following activities were conducted with group and individual participation: Using Social Media to Network, Text Vs. Email…Does it Really Matter? and Translating Texts. A generic job application was given to Students in which he was given 20 minutes to complete. When this job application was completed, it was critiqued and reviewed with the students..

Workshop:  11-19-14: Topics of discussion were: Self-Advocacy and Teen Bullying. Video clips were shown to reinforce these topics.

Workshop:  12-3-14:  A review of the previous 6 weeks topics were discussed: Communication, Knowing Your Skills/Setting Career Goals, Enthusiasm & Attitude/Employer Expectations/First Impressions, Teamwork/Job Retention, Networking, & Self-Advocacy and Teen Bullying. CRC was also present at today’s appt.  The Vocational Rehabilitation counselor assisted with this workshop also.

Elbert County/Green County High School High Tech Program

On October 21, 2014, students in the Elbert County High School High Tech program attended the Augusta Area High School High Tech College Fair and Career Day.  The students met with post-secondary education sites, community partners and employers to discuss career options.  Students were able to meet individually with these partners.  There was a presentation by Cyber Command on possible job opportunities.  This gave students options for opportunities after high school graduation.  It will also encourage other students to be interested in the HSHT program.

Dublin City School and Laurens County High School High Tech Program

On October 23, 2014, Martha Rust, AT Specialist and Rachel Wilson, Tech Match Specialist from AMAC Accessibility Solutions Georgia Institute of Technology presented to the students in the High School High Tech program from East Laurens High School, Dublin High School and West Laurens High School.  At each school, assistive technology and self-advocacy after high school were discussed, with several devices demonstrated.  Students were able to manipulate apps on one of the newest tablets, Surface Pro, as well as several other tablets.

On November 6, 2014, students in the High School High Tech program from Dublin High School, East Laurens High School, and West Laurens High School visited Oconee Fall Line Technical College in Dublin, Georgia.  Students were welcomed to the campus by Robbie Hobbs, OFTC High School Coordinator, who provided an overview of the school’s Dual Enrollment program opportunities.  The agenda included presentations on Special Services by Lydia Barfoot, Disabilities & Assessment Specialist, Financial Aid by Teresa Crafton, Financial Aid Assistant Director, and Student Life/Activities/Clubs by Janet Smith, Student Life Director.  A campus tour followed with a synopsis of programs offered in Allied Health Services, Technology and Industry/Transportation, and Cosmetology in Professional Services.All students were presented information about degree programs, diploma programs, and technical certificate of credit programs, with several students obtaining dual enrollment packets to begin classes in January 2015.

On December 2, 2014, students in the High School High Tech Program along with their parents were provided a Financial Aid presentation by Carol Lott of the Georgia Finance Commission.  Staff of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency hosted the event. Ms. Lott used a power point presentation to provide students and parents information about paying for college.  She explained the basic eligibility requirements for financial aid, completing the FAFSA online, how financial aid is calculated, Federal financial aid programs and Georgia financial aid programs.  He HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships, along with HOPE Grant and HOPE GED Grant were explained.  An explanation of basic financial aid terms covered to ensure understanding when completing forms.  Families were given a high School Checklist to use as a guide for staying on track for graduation.

Lumpkin County High School High Tech Program

On November 20, 2014 students in the Lumpkin County High School High Tech program visited Chattahoochee Tech culinary arts program and the media productions program.  They toured the kitchen and spoke to the instructors and students.  The instructors/chefs told the students about the culinary program at Chattahoochee Tech.  They discussed the curriculum and job opportunities.  The students then sat down to a culinary masterpiece.  The students were able to taste a variety of foods prepared by the Chattahoochee Tech students.

McDuffie County High School High Tech Program

The students from MuDuffie County participated in two events this quarter. The HSHT students from McDuffie County attended the College and Career Resource Day which allowed the students to talk to College and Career representatives that they have an interest in attending.  Speakers include the Director of Counseling and Disability Services from East Georgia College who encouraged the students to self advocate for themselves for accommodations in post secondary education.  Chief Bryan Rude who worked with Cyber Command at Ft. Gordon also made a presentation. He discussed what Cyber Command does and shared information about the types of jobs that will be available at Ft. Gordon.  The students received good information from both of these speakers. There were approximately 19 College Representatives and 10 Business representatives attending to give information to the students.

Students in McDuffie County also attended the East Georgia State College tour. Information was given on steps needed to apply for college and also financial aid.  Students were allowed to tour the school in the area of study they are interested in pursuing.  Some students who are also enrolled the High Achiever's Program, a partnership with the Georgia Committee and East Central Georgia Consortium, attended a Post Secondary Workshop with their parents. A presentation from a representative with the Georgia Student Finance Commission gave information about steps to take to apply for Pell Grant and also HOPE Scholarship and HOPE Grant to assist with paying for post secondary education. She provided education on academic criteria that must be met for a student to qualify for HOPE and discussed some of the financial criteria for obtaining Pell Grant.

Muscogee County High School High Tech Program

On December 5, 2014, the Muscogee County High School High Tech program took a field trip to St. Francis Hospital and Goodwill.  Jordan, Northside, Shaw, Kendrick and G. W. Carver had high school high tech students who attended  this field trip.  The industry tours the student's participated in were both very informative. At St. Francis, the students were able to interact (via question/answer) and hear from professionals who worked in the following medical fields: Nursing, Environmental Services, Physical Therapy Assistant, Chaplain, Medical Assistant, and Certified Nursing Assistant. The students also participated in tours of the OB/GYN unit, Operating rooms, and Emergency room.  At Goodwill, the students were able to tour the Education and Training center including getting information about job readiness training services that can help them to prepare for, secure, and maintain employment.

Rabun County High School High Tech Program

On November 18, 2014, Donna Wood from Vocational Rehabilitation came and did a presentation on resume writing with the High School High Tech students at RCHS.  She went over the correct form for a resume and the parts that should be included on a resume:  Header, Objective, Skills, Work Experience, Education and References.  She allowed the students to ask questions as needed.  It was a very good lesson for the students.

Richmond County High School High Tech Program

The students from Richmond County participated in two events this quarter. The HSHT students from Richmond County attended the College and Career Resource Day which allowed the students to talk to College and Career representatives that they are interested in attending or career choice. Speakers include the Director of Counseling and Disability Services from East Georgia College who encouraged the students to self advocate for themselves for accommodations in post secondary education.  Chief Bryan Rude who worked with Cyber Command at Ft. Gordon also made a presentation. He discussed what Cyber Command does and shared information about the types of jobs that will be available at Ft. Gordon.  The students received good information from both of these speakers. There were approximately 19 College Representatives and 10 Business representatives attending to give information to the students. Students in Richmond County also attended the East Georgia State College tour. Information was given on steps needed to apply for college and also financial aid.  Students were allowed to tour the school in the area of study they are interested in pursuing. 

Turner County High School High Tech Program

On November 18, 2014, students in the Turner County High School High Tech program toured Albany State University and received information on disability services, admissions, financial aid, and other areas of interest to the students as well as touring the campus.  This activity will increase the students’ awareness of post-secondary educational options, entrance requirements, financial aid procedures, and introduce the students to disability services and how to request accommodations, as well as stimulating student interest in potential areas of study.

 

Muscogee County High School High Tech (HSHT) students from Northside, Shaw, Jordan, Kendrick and Early College attended a tour at Columbus State University on October 24, 2013.   Approximately 80 students from the Muscogee County HSHT Program attended the Columbus State University Tour and were provided information on admissions, disability services and toured the campus.  A former HSHT student that is attending Columbus State University spoke to the students on college life and navigating through it all while working with your disability.  The students also toured the Freedom Riders Exhibit in the library and participated in Wheelchair Basketball.  Paula Dukes with the Muscogee County School system and staff from Columbus State University organized the tour.   Teachers from all the schools and Shannon Barnhill, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, attended the tour with the students. The students enjoyed the tour and received pertinent information on attending post-secondary education at Columbus State University. 

The Augusta Area High School High Tech Program (HSHT) hosted a College Fair and Resource Day on October 29, 2013 for students in the Augusta HSHT program.  Staff from post-secondary education sites, local employers, armed forces, and community partners were invited to set up informational booths to meet with the HSHT students to discuss opportunities for students after graduation from high school.  Approximately 200 students from 17 high schools in Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, Richmond and Wilkes counties attended the Augusta Area High School High Tech College Fair and Resource Day on October 29th, 2013.   Four students were awarded computers funded by a partnership with the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah Area. 

Staff from the Augusta office of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency listed below coordinated this event:  Charlotte Young, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Sandra Owens, Rehabilitation Assistant.  Karen Royston, Executive Director for the Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc. assisted and attended the event. 

Rabun County High School High Tech Workshop

The students participating in the HSHT Program at Rabun County High School met on October 29, 2013.  VR Counselor Beth Williams, VR Job Readiness Specialist, Sherrie Couch, and Rabun County HSHT coordinator, Angela Luke, participated in a workshop on GCIS. The students were assisted through the Reality Check portion of the GCIS program and the scholarship search section of the program. At the end of the workshop, the students were comfortable using the GCIS program independently to proceed with further searches for scholarships and locating information about colleges in the state.

High School High Tech students from Alcovy, Eastside, Newton Career Academy, and Newton High School attended a tour at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta on October 30, 2013.   Approximately 30 students from Newton County attended the CDC tour and were provided information about the CDC, a presentation on career opportunities, a tour of the CDC site, and a self-guided tour of the CDC museum.  Staff from the CDC organized the visit and made the presentations to the students. The Executive Director of the Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc., Karen Royston, the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Alice Gardner, and  Newton County HSHT Site liaisons, Alisa Echols, Chris Newsham, Tyshema Mitchell and Loineda Dean assisted with coordinating the tour and attended the tour with the students.   The students enjoyed the tour and received pertinent information on career opportunities at the CDC.