High School/High Tech

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Background

High School/ High Tech is an enrichment program for high school aged students with disabilities. HS/HT encourages the exploration of science, engineering and technology-related careers. Serving the Greater Houston Metropolitan area, HS/HT has developed relationships with many high tech companies, industries, and organizations. From Houston's world renowned medical center to its ever-growing oil and natural gas and energy industries, HS/HT has been there placing students in the middle of excellent learning opportunities.

In 1983, The High School/High Tech Program was created by a task force of executives from high tech companies and others in Los Angeles. This task force discovered that: One, there is a need to fill high tech jobs. Two, persons with disabilities can fill this niche. And three, few people with disabilities had the education and training necessary to qualify for these positions. The task force objective became to reach out to students with disabilities to promote training in areas of science and technology. Shortly after, the program was adopted by the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. High School/High Tech is now a project promoted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy. In 1992, United Cerebral Palsy of Prince George's and Montgomery Counties (UCP-PGMC) started a High School/High Tech program in collaboration with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. In 1995, UCP-PGMC was asked by NASA to replicate the project at three other NASA sites: Ames research Center, Lewis Research Center and Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (Houston).

High School/High Tech began operating in the Greater Houston area during the 1996-1997 school year. Since then, over 900 students from 6 different school districts have participated, and over 120 students have participated in paid summer internships. Currently, HS/HT is serving over 250 students from 5 area school districts.

 

HIGH SCHOOL/HIGH TECH • 4500 Bissonnet • Bellaire, Texas 77401 • (713)838-9050