Persons with disabilities are seriously underrepresented in science, mathematics, engineering, and in other high- technology careers. To address this problem, a model program has been developed over the past decade that is dedicated to recruiting talented students with disabilities and encouraging them to pursue their interest in science and technology. This program -- called High School/High-Tech -- links educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations to provide enhanced educational opportunities in science, math and high-technology for talented disabled high school students in the 9th through 12th grades. High School/High-Tech projects have enabled students with disabilities to attend and succeed in college and transition into careers in science and other high-technology fields. A National Steering Committee on High School/High-Tech is comprised of representatives from business, industry, educational institutions, and government. It is endeavoring to replicate its successful model throughout the country in order to reach as many students with disabilities as possible and to impart to them information concerning opportunities available to them in science and high- technology. As a part of this endeavor, Moneta Development Corporation has been asked by the Steering Committee to produce a video that can be used by Steering Committee members in motivating education, community and business leaders to establish and operate new High School/High-Tech projects in new locations. $20,000 has been requested from NSF to cost-share the production of this video. It is anticipated that the video can result in the recruitment and initial training of hundreds of students with disabilities for careers in science, engineering, math and high- technology.
