PALM BEACH GARDENS — Student ACES, a 501 c3 organization with the mission to create CHAMPIONS, and Florida State University’s Stoops Center for Communities, Families, and Children have completed the inaugural Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Workforce Training Program, giving high school student-athletes in the Glades hands-on exposure to behavioral health careers, professional skills and a pathway toward continued education and credentialing.

The results show strong engagement and outcomes from the 10-week program, which was supported by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and U.S. Sugar.

• 9 of 9 students completed the program
• 100+ applications were received
• An 89.9% average gain in student confidence
• 4.5 out of 5 average program rating
• 7 of 8 students are continuing toward the BHT certificate
• 100% of participants would recommend the program to a friend

Florida State University’s Stoops Center provided the curriculum, credentialing pathway and clinical expertise. Student ACES provided the site, student relationships and day-to-day wraparound support that helped make the program accessible and achievable for first-generation students from an under-resourced community.

“The results demonstrate what is possible when organizations bring complementary strengths to the table,” said Krissy Webb, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Student ACES.

Nine students ultimately completed program, which combined online coursework, in-person instruction and hands-on experiential learning. Students developed foundational knowledge and practical skills in areas including behavioral health systems, trauma-informed care, communication and active listening, ethical practices, crisis prevention, cultural competence and career readiness.

“This program was about more than delivering a curriculum; it was about creating an environment where students could gain valuable experience and potentially see a career where they could contribute,” said Tai Cole, Associate Director of the Stoops Center for Communities, Families, and Children at Florida State University. “The partnership with Student ACES made it possible to pair academic and clinical expertise with the relationships and support students need to fully engage in the opportunity.”

Student ACES served as the local site and wraparound partner throughout the program, providing mentorship, life skills development and ongoing support for participating students.

In addition to the experience and knowledge, each student received a $1,200 stipend for completing the program.

“The students showed us what happens when opportunity meets support,” Webb said. “Nine students started this journey and all nine completed it. That is a result worth celebrating and a model worth continuing to build on.”