Trailblazer Academy

ALL-DAY PROGRAM FOR 18+

Develop Skills for Life

STARability Foundation is a leading organization in Southwest Florida that offers effective programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our community-based outreach program, Trailblazer Academy, is a person-centered, holistic approach that provides participants with a broad range of support to engage in lifelong learning through enriching experiences, learning new skills, building new relationships, and finding new ways to move from just being in the community to being a valued part of the community.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Life skills development
  • Community engagement
  • Socialization
  • Vocational training
  • Independence
  • Confidence

Join Our Waitlist

Currently, there are no spots available in our Trailblazer Academy. However, a spot could become available at any time. To be considered, please join our waitlist.

Blazing a Trail for Inclusion

The Trailblazer Academy is a unique program in Collier County that was established in 2016 to address a gap in services. The program’s success is based on the collaboration between families, instructors, and vocational site partners to create an Individual Academy Plan (IAP) for each Trailblazer. The program provides vocational training and employment-based activities to help Trailblazers develop skills and gain exposure to the work world.

Specialization

The Trailblazer Academy program has experienced instructors who specialize in working with individuals with special needs. They receive advanced training in vocational, behavioral, and educational strategies. STARability’s dedicated Vocational Services team works alongside program staff to provide comprehensive services from initial consultation to job placement and ongoing support to ensure successful career placements for participants.

Impact

The Trailblazer Academy is dedicated to achieving measurable outcomes. STARability Foundation has developed its own assessment process supported by regional leaders in this field. STARability showcases the profound transformative potential of our program through careful result measurement, illustrating our life-transforming impact.

Statistics

58

PARTICIPANTS ENROLLED

58 Participants enrolled for in-person Trailblazer Academy programming

18929

PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCES

Participants had 18,929 experiences last year

35

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

35 Trailblazer Academy participants are scholarship recipients

3846

VOLUNTEER HOURS

3,846 Number of volunteer hours contributed to the community

19

PARTICIPANTS EMPLOYED

19 Trailblazer Academy participants currently employed

BLAZE YOUR TRAIL
Join our Trailblazer Academy Waitlist
A TRAIL OF THEIR OWN

Testimonials

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Recognition of Grantors