Project 10: Transition Education Network

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Project 10: Transition Education Network

FL's statewide IDEA-funded state project supporting the secondary transition of youth with disabilities. Petersburg (USFSP).

Project 10: Transition Education Network is Florida’s statewide discretionary project supporting the secondary transition of youth with disabilities. It is funded by the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), within the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Project 10’s primary charge is to assist school districts in providing appropriate planning and timely transition ser

vices and programs to assist youth with disabilities in their transition to adulthood. Project 10 also serves as a collaborative resource for other state agencies, discretionary projects, non-profit organizations and families in the provision of transition services for students served in exceptional student education. Project 10 uses regional personnel, extensive collaboration and data-driven accountability to deliver services, supports and information to all stakeholders focused on improving post-school outcomes for students served in exceptional student education within Florida. Transition representatives from Project 10 work closely with school district personnel within their region to identify the programmatic and training needs of each district and assist them in meeting their goals in the area of secondary transition. Project 10 collaborates in related state activities and provides support to the State Transition Steering Committee and District Interagency Councils. It also produces a number of products, supports pilot transition activities across the state, provides training and technical assistance services and develops research-supported activities. Project 10 is currently focusing on four major initiatives:
- Capacity building to implement secondary transition services
- Interagency collaboration
- Transition legislation and policy
- Student development and outcomes

These initiatives drive the training, technical assistance and resources for personnel throughout the state who are working to improve the future success of students with disabilities. Project 10 is housed at the University of South Florida, St.

09/02/2026

🌟 Project 10 18–22 Program Spotlight: St. Lucie County’s STAR Program 🌟

Project 10 is excited to continue spotlighting 18–22 programs across Florida that are part of Project 10’s initiative to support districts in developing, reviewing, and enhancing transition programs for students with disabilities.

This week, we’re highlighting St. Lucie Public Schools’ STAR Program (Students Transitioning to Adult Responsibilities)—a graduate deferment program serving students ages 18–22 as they prepare for adult life, greater independence, and future employment.

⭐ Learning Through Real-World Experiences

STAR students build workplace skills through authentic, hands-on experiences. Each week, students operate the STAR Café, preparing and serving sandwiches and snacks at two countywide bus depots. Through the café, students strengthen skills in food preparation and safety, customer service, communication, teamwork, workplace responsibility, and time management.

Students also participate in community-based learning experiences at Publix Super Markets, where they gain workplace exposure, hands-on training, industry knowledge, and opportunities to practice skills that support future employment.

🏡 Building Independence Beyond the Classroom

Through community-based instruction and real-world experiences, STAR students also develop practical skills in areas such as shopping, budgeting and money management, personal safety, healthy living, communication, accessing community resources, and independent living.

💫 Preparing for Meaningful Futures

These experiences help students grow in confidence, independence, self-advocacy, decision-making, interpersonal communication, and employment readiness—all important skills for successfully navigating life beyond school.

Project 10 is proud to spotlight St. Lucie County’s STAR Program and its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that help students transition from school to adulthood with greater confidence, independence, and purpose.

👏 Thank you to the STAR team and St. Lucie Public Schools for supporting students as they build skills and prepare for their next steps!

08/26/2026

🌟 Throughout fall 2026, Project 10 will periodically spotlight 18–22 programs across Florida that are participating in our statewide initiative to support districts in the development, review, and enhancement of programs and practices serving students ages 18–22. These spotlights will highlight promising practices, program elements, and strategies connected to this initiative and showcase the great work happening across our state to strengthen postsecondary transition opportunities for students with disabilities.

🔦 Project 10 Deferment Program Spotlight: Wakulla County

Project 10 is excited to highlight Wakulla County’s Graduate Deferment Program, Legacy Café, a transition program serving students ages 18–22 who have met the requirements for a standard high school diploma and continue to need specialized services and supports.

The program helps students prepare for adult life through individualized instruction, community-based experiences, work-based learning, independent living skills, and opportunities to build self-determination and self-advocacy.

☕ Learning Through Real-World Experiences
Students help operate the Legacy Café, preparing and serving meals for Wakulla County School District staff while developing skills in food preparation, customer service, teamwork, communication, and workplace responsibility.

Students also operate the weekly Legacy Coffee Bar, where they gain hands-on barista and customer-service experience. A special partnership with Wild Ox Coffee Company provides students with products, industry expertise, mentorship, and authentic training to strengthen their workplace skills.

🌎 Building Independence in the Community
Learning extends beyond the classroom through visits to community agencies and real-world experiences involving shopping, budgeting, safety, healthy living, money management, communication, and accessing community resources.

💚 Celebrating Student Growth
Wakulla is especially proud of the growth students demonstrate in confidence, independence, interpersonal skills, self-advocacy, and employment readiness. Students are learning to communicate their needs, make informed decisions, build relationships, and envision meaningful futures beyond school.

08/12/2026

📣 Project 10 is heading to Southwest Florida!

Join us for Working Together: Educational Supports Throughout School Age Years and Beyond, a FREE Golisano Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Initiative (GIDDI) Community Education Seminar at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Project 10’s Lisa Friedman Chavez, Region 5 Regional Transition Representative, will join representatives from FND, FIN, SEDNET, and FGCU R.I.S.E. to share resources and discuss supports for students with disabilities—from the school-age years and secondary transition planning through postsecondary opportunities and adulthood.

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
⏰ 9:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University
AB9, Room 138 | Fort Myers, FL

Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from participating organizations, ask questions, and connect with professionals supporting students and families throughout Southwest Florida.

🔗 Learn more and register:
https://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/giddi/giddihostevents/hostedevents

We hope to see you there! 🎓

07/29/2026

🗺️ The journey to adulthood begins earlier than many families realize!

In Florida, secondary transition planning begins when a student turns age 12 or enters 7th grade—whichever comes first. Starting early gives students, families, and educators more opportunities to prepare for successful outcomes after high school.

Project 10's Middle School Secondary Planning Trail Map for Families is designed to help families navigate this important stage by highlighting practical ways to support youth as they transition from elementary school to middle school, high school, and ultimately to postsecondary education, employment, and adult life.

📖 Explore the Middle School Secondary Planning Trail Map for Families here:
http://project10.info/DPage.php?ID=77

Together, we can help students build a strong foundation for a successful future!

07/22/2026

🎓 The new school year will be here before we know it! As summer begins to wind down, now is a great time for students, families, educators, and IEP teams to review Florida's high school graduation options and requirements to help ensure a successful start to the school year. 📚

📋 Project 10's "Graduation Options Chart" provides an easy-to-use overview of Florida's standard diploma graduation pathways based on a student's 9th-grade cohort year. Access the resource here:
🔗 http://project10.info/DPage.php?ID=77

🎯 The Florida Department of Education's "Academic Advisement Flyers" also offer valuable information about graduation planning, including required coursework, diploma designations, and statewide assessment requirements for earning a Florida standard diploma. Learn more here:
🔗 https://www.fldoe.org/academics/graduation-requirements/

Planning ahead today can help students stay on track for success tomorrow! 🌟

07/15/2026

📢 The June 2026 Project 10 Topical Brief has recently been released: "The Workforce Credential Program." 🎉

This edition provides educators, school districts, families, and transition stakeholders with an overview of the Workforce Credential Program (WCP), including how the program was established, its purpose, the workforce credential badges students may earn, and Project 10 resources designed to support successful implementation.

⭐ Learn how the WCP helps prepare students with disabilities for meaningful employment and postsecondary success.

🔗 Access the June 2026 Topical Brief by visiting this link:
https://project10.info/DPage.php?ID=235

06/15/2026

"📢 Connect with Project 10 at the 2026 BSIS Summer Professional Learning Events!

Project 10 is excited to participate in the Florida Resource Expo for Supporting Collaborative Opportunities (FRESCO) as part of the Florida Department of Education's 2026 Bureau of Standards and Instructional Support (BSIS) Summer Professional Learning Events.

Project 10 representatives will be available at all three regional events to share resources, answer questions, and connect with educators and professionals who support youth with disabilities as they prepare for successful adult lives. The BSIS Summer Professional Learning Events bring together Florida educators and leaders to strengthen their knowledge of Florida's academic standards, explore instructional resources, and engage with statewide projects and partners.

📍 BSIS North
Arnold High School
Panama City Beach, Florida
June 16–18, 2026

📍 BSIS Central
Riverview High School
Riverview, Florida
July 14–16, 2026

📍 BSIS South
South Fort Myers High School
Fort Myers, Florida
July 21–23, 2026

In addition to the three-day professional learning events, attendees will have opportunities to visit the FRESCO Expo beginning the afternoon before each regional event officially starts.

Be sure to stop by the Project 10 exhibit table to learn more about:
✅ Secondary transition resources
✅ Technical assistance and support
✅ Evidence-based practices that promote positive postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities

For more information about the 2026 BSIS Summer Professional Learning Events, visit:

https://www.floridalearns.org/2026/summer/

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

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06/10/2026

📢 Join Project 10 at the 28th Annual Family Café!

Project 10 is excited to participate in the 28th Annual Family Café: Featuring the Annual Summit on Disabilities, taking place June 12–14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando (9801 International Drive, Orlando, FL).

The Family Café is one of Florida's premier events for individuals with disabilities, families, self-advocates, educators, and community partners. Be sure to stop by the Project 10 exhibitor table to learn about resources, training opportunities, and supports designed to help youth with disabilities successfully prepare for adult life.

In addition, Project 10 Regional Transition Representatives will be presenting two breakout sessions:

🔹 Preparing Families and Youth for Age of Majority: Empowering Self-Determination and Navigating Legal Rights
📅 Friday, June 12, 2026
🕒 3:30–4:30 p.m.
📍 Celebration 9
🎤 Presented by Jennifer Treadway and Lisa Friedman-Chavez

🔹 Secondary Transition Basics 101: Seize the Day to Ensure Your Youth Is Ready for a Fulfilling Adult Life
📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026
🕥 10:30–11:30 a.m.
📍 Bayhill 18
🎤 Presented by Lisa Friedman-Chavez and Nicole Klees

Whether you are a family member, youth, educator, service provider, or advocate, we invite you to connect with Project 10 and discover resources that support successful transition planning and positive postsecondary outcomes.

For more information about the Family Café, visit:
https://familycafe.net/annual-family-cafe/

We look forward to seeing you in Orlando!

05/27/2026

☕ Spotlight on Success in Wakulla County! 🌟

Project 10: Transition Education Network is excited to highlight the incredible work happening through the Legacy Café at Wakulla County School District — a school-based enterprise supporting students in 18–22 deferment programming.

The Legacy Café provides students with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to build employment and independent living skills through authentic workplace experiences. From preparing specialty coffee drinks to managing tasks, teamwork, and customer service, students are gaining valuable skills that support successful postsecondary outcomes.

Wakulla’s program is also receiving technical assistance and support to continue enhancing opportunities for students with disabilities through high-quality transition programming.

We love seeing innovative programs that help students strengthen confidence, independence, and career readiness while creating connections within their school and community. Great work, Wakulla County! 👏

05/20/2026

🌟 Join Us for the 2026 Employment Virtual Conference (EVC): Talent Actualized! 🌟

Hosted by Florida Center for Inclusive Communities (FCIC), this FREE virtual conference focuses on empowering youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for future workplace success.

🗓 Tuesday, May 26, 2026
⏰ 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
💻 Free & Virtual

We’re excited that Project 10: Transition Education Network Regional Transition Representatives Jennifer Treadway and Lisa Friedman-Chavez will present from 9:50–10:45 a.m. ET:
🔑 From Secondary Transition Planning to Postsecondary Success: Resources That Open Doors!

Their session will highlight Project 10 resources and trainings that support students with disabilities in reaching postsecondary education, employment, and community living goals.
Open to educators, families, students, service providers, and transition stakeholders statewide!

📌 Learn more and register here:
2026 EVC Registration & Information: https://flfcic.cbcs.usf.edu/webinars_talent.html .tab=0

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Address

140 7th Avenue South, SVB 101
Saint Petersburg, FL
33701

Website

http://project10.info/

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