For many students with disabilities, the biggest barrier to college or career pathways isn’t ability, it’s visibility. If you’ve never seen yourself in those spaces, it’s hard to imagine that you belong there. Baker County’s Futures in Focus program is changing that narrative by helping students experience postsecondary and career environments firsthand, building confidence, curiosity, and a sense of possibility.
This year, the program has remained flexible and student-centered, adapting quickly when transportation and venue availability shifted. Rather than scaling back, the team found creative solutions, securing volunteer bus drivers and partnering with local organization, to ensure students continued accessing meaningful experiences.
So far, students have participated in hands-on field experiences that connect learning to real-world careers. In December, students visited Florida State College at Jacksonville, explored a collegiate setting, and practiced real-world independence through a dining experience that mirrored postsecondary life. Additional experiences are scheduled, including a visit to Sweet Pete’s in Jacksonville, a virtual reality career exploration night, and tours of local CTE programs paired with a student-prepared culinary lunch.
"I appreciate everyone making this happen for my students. They loved the trip, and FSCJ's VERTICAL program is an excellent fit for several of them! Three of my seniors will be applying when the application opens up next month. We are looking forward to the next trip!"
Peer-to-peer learning is also central to the program. Students are currently creating presentations to share their projects and pathways with classmates, reinforcing self-advocacy and communication skills. Early events have already reached 90 students, with new participants joining as momentum grows.
Through adaptability, commitment, and intentional exposure, Futures in Focus is helping students see what’s possible—so they can begin to see themselves there.
