The BOOST (Building Opportunities for Occupational Success Together) program at First Coast Technical College (FCTC) is a post-secondary initiative designed to support students with intellectual disabilities as they pursue industry-recognized certifications in inclusive, career-focused learning environments. BOOST provides students with access to career and technical education programs alongside their peers without disabilities, promoting academic, social, and professional inclusion.
Students receive individualized support through a certified ESE instructor, dedicated staff, and person-centered planning to help them achieve their educational and employment goals. In addition to vocational training, the program emphasizes the development of employability skills, soft skills, and workplace readiness through hands-on experiences and career placement services. By equipping students with the tools they need for long-term success, BOOST reflects FCTC’s commitment to empowering all learners to become confident, capable contributors to the regional workforce.
How BOOST can help you SUCCEED
Programs currently eligible for enrollment:
Services
Services
The BOOST program will focus on:
- On-campus academics and certifications
- Employment
- Social integration
Through the Best Buddies organization, peer mentors will support BOOST program students in becoming engaged and active members of the college community. Students will participate in Career and Technical Education courses alongside their non-disabled peers.
Additional support services include:
- Academic advisement
- Tutoring
- Assistive technology
- Modified learning plans (depending upon student need)
- Career placement and retention
Eligibility
To be eligible for the BOOST program, students need:
- Documentation of Intellectual Disability (IEP, 504, physician diagnosis, etc.)
- Desire to become employed
- Transportation to FCTC main campus
Who are BOOST students?
BOOST students are individuals with documented intellectual disabilities who aspire to gain independence and secure meaningful employment. They possess basic reading and writing skills, can follow structured schedules, and are capable of navigating the FCTC campus on their own. Additionally, they demonstrate a willingness and ability to collaborate effectively with others.
Contact Information
If you are interested in this program and would additional information, please contact:
Elaine Smith
BOOST Program Coordinator
904-547-3338
[email protected]
What is Career Navigators?
Career Navigators is a federally funded program designed to help young adults ages 16 to 24 explore career opportunities and attain the education and training required for success in the workplace. Our students create a competitive advantage for themselves by gaining the career and technical education required to enter high-wage careers in in-demand industries.
Whether it is a GED, High School completion, or technical certification aligned with high skill – high wage industries, Career Navigator students make the most of their education with the assistance of professional Career Coaches.
We offer workshops on professional skills, personal finance, goal setting, career and college exploration, career laddering, entrepreneurship, and much more! Paid and unpaid work experiences are just one way our students benefit from an enriched educational program.
What are the benefits of Career Navigators?
Students who qualify can receive assistance with some or all of the following:
- Tuition
- Books, supplies, uniforms
- Test fees
- Academic assessment
- Childcare assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Incentives
- Paid work experience
- And much, much more!!
What Programs does Career Navigators fund?
What if I still need my High School Diploma or GED?
You can jumpstart your career training program while working on your GED! Our GED classroom will help get you through the preparation period faster, and all the while you can progress through your career training program, too.
If you’re in a hurry to start training for your career, call us or stop by our offices in Building A to apply. GED classes start regularly so there’s no reason to put it off!
How do I know if I qualify for Career Navigators?
If you are between the ages of 16-24, stopping by the Career Navigators department is one of the best stops you can make during the enrollment process at First Coast Technical College. Meet with our responsive staff so they can determine if you meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the program. Applications are approved on a competitive basis, so apply early.
The Career Navigators Office is at FCTC in Building A across the hall from Financial Aid.
This program is brought to you in partnership with the CareerSource Northeast Florida. Career Navigators is fully supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and Agriculture and other agencies as part of awards totaling $4.3 million.
Career Navigators has been a part of First Coast Technical College since 1999. Visit, call (904) 547-3377 or Email [email protected]
