A Recipe for Success

While Texas has one of the highest graduation rates in the country for students with disabilities, it’s still nearly 10 percentage points below the state’s overall graduation rate. Easter Seals Greater Houston's High School/ High Tech (HSHT) and Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) give students with disabilities the motivation, self-confidence and skills they need to not only graduate high school, but go on to full-time employment or postsecondary education.

Kaden joined HSHT after moving to Alvin, Texas, from California. Through weekly meetings at his high school, he learned essential job skills and explored a variety of possible career paths. Kaden is passionate about culinary arts and aspires to become a chef one day. In the summer of 2023, he spent six weeks interning at Red Oak Café, where he learned all about the restaurant industry, from front of the house to kitchen. The owner and general manager we so impressed by Kaden that he got to return this past summer, and both agree he would be a valued addition to the staff when the opportunity arises.

In 2023, Kaden was chosen to represent ESGH’s HSHT and RAMP programs at the National RAMP Conference in Washington, D.C. He did an outstanding job traveling (without his parents and for his first time on a plane!) and giving his presentation in front of RAMP staff and conference attendees from sites all across the country.

The growth Kaden has shown, along with so many of our other students, is truly remarkable. We’re all exceedingly proud the work Kaden has put in and the progress he’s made. Kaden’s parents shared that they never had access to support or programs like HSHT and RAMP in any of the other places they’ve lived, and they are deeply appreciative of the opportunities that ESGH has provided. When his mom saw the video of his presentation, she was overwhelmed with pride. Through his participation in HSHT and RAMP, Kaden has learned so much, worked so hard to overcome some of his fears, and grown so much more confident in himself and his abilities. Kaden knows that the experience and skills he’s gaining now will ensure he’s not only employable but an asset to any future employer!

-Kristie Carlisle, Employment, High School/ High Tech and Respite Program Director, Easter Seals Greater Houston

Thank you to the donors who make High School/ High Tech possible - The Alcon Foundation, Inc., Baker Hughes Foundation, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation, CareSource Bayou Health, The Coca-Cola Foundation, The George Foundation, IBM, Institute for Educational Leadership, Inc., The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, The Oriska Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston.