Vertical Training Program

Adult High School GED® Preparation: High School Equivalency Adult Basic Education (ABE) VERTICAL Training Program

Providing employment readiness instruction to students with disabilities enrolled in vocational workforce certificate programs at FSCJ.

Adults with intellectual, developmental and/or other disabilities can often times experience more challenges when it comes to finding a job, becoming integrated into the community or even attending college. V.E.R.T.I.C.A.L (Vocational and Employment Readiness Training in Comprehensive Adult Learning) provides these students enrolled in vocational workforce certificate programs with the support and employment skills training needed to succeed in the competitive workforce and lead a productive life. Students in this program will learn life skills and core academics, receive vocational training, and graduate with the ability to work in high-skilled, high-wage jobs.

In addition to gaining new skills and training, each student is matched with a mentor to help build the college campus experience and a peer-to-peer relationship.

Training areas include:

Automotive Collision Repair
Child Care
Diesel Technology
Electrical Technology
Facials Specialty
Massage Therapy
Welding

Program Information

Students with disabilities have specific transition, education, instruction, employment and life skills needs that must be met to succeed in the competitive workforce. VERTICAL training will provide employment readiness instruction

Students that successfully complete VERTICAL training will complete an FSCJ training course and enter the workforce with an industry specific skill and the employment skills necessary to acquire and maintain sustainable independent employment.

Eligible Students:

Students with a disability who have earned or are on track to earn a special diploma
Students interested in vocational training

Aircraft Coating Technician
Articulated Nursing
Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing
Child Care
Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts
Commercial Vehicle Driving
Cosmetology
Diesel Engine Repair
Electrical
Facial Specialty
Massage Therapy
Welding

With successful completion of VERTICAL training, students will

Have a documented set of industry specific skills
Understand their career goals and have a plan to reach those goals
Understand workplace culture and expectations
Possess skills necessary for workplace success

Scholarships are a source of aid available to students who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program — A merit scholarship awarded to Florida high school graduates. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credits, be degree-seeking, and meet Florida residency requirements for state student aid. Scholarships will be paid at a flat "per credit" rate. In addition, students who withdraw during the semester will be required to repay the Bright Futures funding received for the classes from which they withdraw. Finally, in order to be eligible for renewal awards, full-time students must complete a minimum of 24 credits during the award year, with part-time students needing to complete a pro-rated number of credits based on enrollment.

Bright Futures rates
Bright Futures Award	Bright Futures per credit hour	FSCJ Tuition per credit hour
Florida Academic Scholars in A.A., A.S., A.A.S. programs	$63	$102.88
Florida Academic Scholars in B.A.S. programs	$71	$114.52
Florida Medallion Scholars in A.A., A.S., A.A.S. programs	$63	$102.88
Florida Medallion Scholars in P.S.A.V. programs	$48	$86.40
Florida Medallion Scholars in B.A.S. programs	$53	$114.52
Vocational Gold Seal Scholars in A.A., A.S., A.A.S. programs	$48	$102.88
Vocational Gold Seal Scholars in P.S.A.V. programs	$39	$86.70
Vocational Gold Seal Scholars in B.A.S. programs	$53	$114.52

If you have been admitted to Florida State College at Jacksonville you can use the Scholarship Management Site to learn more about available scholarship opportunities.

Child Care Grants

Child care grants are available for eligible students with dependent children. The grants pay up to 60 percent of eligible child care costs. For more information, contact the campus enrollment services/financial aid office.

Talent Grants For Athletics, Fine Arts and Co-Curricular Activities

Talent grants are awarded to selected students based on a specified talent. Recipients are selected through an audition or other demonstration of talent. Grants are given for athletics, fine arts, as well as for participation in certain extracurricular organizations.

For more information about athletic talent grants, contact the athletic department at (904) 646-2202; fine arts grants, contact the fine arts department at (904) 646-2162 or co-curricular grants, contact the cultural programs department at (904) 632-3123.

Available talent grant areas
Athletic	Fine Arts	Co-curricular
Baseball Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball Women’s Softball Women’s Tennis Women’s Volleyball	Chorale Dance Gospel Chorale Graphic Design Instrumental Multimedia Theatre/Dance Visual Arts	Brain Bowl Forensics (Persuasive Speaking or Extemporaneous Speaking) Student Ambassadors Student Newspaper (The Campus Voice) Student Government Asso. Leadership

Call today for more info or to apply:

Call (904) 633-8456 or email ProjectAchieve@fscj.edu.

VERTICAL is a program of Project Achieve. Sponsored by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) has been involved in the planning and development of this program. The classes are designed to allow VR counselors to pay for tuition for students attending these classes.

Students may also self-pay.

Volunteer as a Mentor

Not all students have a support network when they start college. As a mentor with FSCJ's VERTICAL program, you can help students living with disabilities adjust to college and get that true campus experience.

Mentoring is easy and fun. Mentors and mentees meet one hour each week to:

Have lunch
Help with homework
Attend social events
Play sports

To volunteer, email Rachel Rippey or call (904) 633-8456.

Florida State College at Jacksonville does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, disability, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, age, sex, sexual orientation/expression, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy or genetic information in its programs, activities and employment. For more information, visit the Equal Access/Equal Opportunity page.

Florida State College at Jacksonville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the baccalaureate and associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Florida State College at Jacksonville. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution's significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

Vertical Training Program

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