Port St. Joe, FL – The Able Trust High School High Tech Gulf County project “Teen Mobile,” has secured a coveted spot in the finals of the 2024 Project Venture competition. The Gulf County group is one of four high school teams that will advance to the live finals held in Jacksonville, Florida, in April.
The Gulf County teens created a business plan for “Teen Mobile,” a student-developed business concept designed to bridge the digital divide for elderly technology users. The team aims to connect seniors with skilled teenage technicians who can provide personalized tech support at home.
"We're thrilled to compete in the Project Venture finals!" said Caytlin Myers, a member of the Teen Mobile team. "This project has been an amazing experience to learn about business planning and entrepreneurship, and we had so much fun filming our commercial. We're confident that Teen Mobile is a concept that meets a need in our community."
Lianna Sagins, the CareerSource Gulf Coast Director of Workforce Services and Communications for Gulf and Franklin County, echoed the student's enthusiasm. "We can’t wait for these exceptional teens to showcase the potential of Teen Mobile at the finals. This group project stands out with an innovative solution and a complete plan to make it a reality.”
Project Venture is a competition for high school students with disabilities to gain valuable entrepreneurial skills by developing and presenting a comprehensive business plan. Through this program, students learn essential skills like teamwork, communication, and project management.
The teens’ project management skills were recently showcased at the Job Fair & Career Expos held at Port St. Joe High School and Wewahitchka High School. The High School High Tech group conceptualized, organized, and hosted the student-focused events. The events featured 30+ educators, recruiters, businesses, and community resources together to highlight job opportunities, educational paths, internships, and volunteer opportunities in the Gulf County area.
CareerSource Gulf Coast is The Able Trust’s High School High Tech partner for Gulf County. The organization administers programs at Port St. Joe High School and Wewahitchka High School in Gulf County.
“Investing in the future workforce starts by empowering today’s older youth,” said Kim Bodine, Executive Director of CareerSource Gulf Coast. “By engaging youth with skills training, career guidance, and mentorship, they are better equipped for success that leads to personal prosperity and in turn a more prosperous community.
Principal funding for the Gulf County High School High Tech program is provided by The Able Trust and is also supported by the Alfred I. duPont Foundation.
About The Able Trust
The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, is a 501(c)(3) public-private partnership foundation established by the Florida Legislature in 1990. Its mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. Since its establishment, The Able Trust has worked with community organizations throughout the state to help thousands of Floridians with disabilities enter the workforce. The Able Trust youth programs provide career development and transition to many students with disabilities annually, helping to reduce the dropout rate and prepare young adults for life beyond high school.
About CareerSource Gulf Coast
CareerSource Gulf Coast is the workforce development authority in Bay, Gulf, and Franklin Counties that connects businesses with qualified, skilled talent and Gulf Coast residents with employment and career development opportunities. Offices are operated in Bay, Gulf, and Franklin Counties. CareerSource Gulf Coast is a non-profit chartered by the State of Florida and is one of 24 local workforce development boards across the state. Visit https://careersourcegc.com to learn more about professional workforce development and job placement services, all offered at no charge.
In compliance with the Stevens Amendment CareerSource Gulf Coast must provide percentages of total cost of programs/projects financed with federal money and non-governmental sources as well as dollar amounts of the federal funds for projects and programs. You may find this information on our website:
https://careersourcegc.com.
