Learning Beyond the Classroom in the Nation’s Oldest City!

Learning Beyond the Classroom in the Nation’s Oldest City!

As part of our HDS College Mentors program, students from University of North Florida THRIVE took a trip to St. Augustine in celebration of Autism Awareness Month! Students explored the historic Old Town Trolley on a sensory-friendly tour designed to support diverse needs, with clear descriptions at each stop to help prepare for the experience. This hands-on adventure also included practicing key life skills, from using cash to purchase lunch, to calculating tips and managing a budget. A favorite moment was exploring the Old Jail, where students learned about the rich history of St. Augustine and even stepped inside the historic jail cells! It was a fun and educational day filled with discovery, growth, and plenty of smiles.

A Year to Remember and a Future to Celebrate!

A Year to Remember and a Future to Celebrate!

What an incredibly special day with our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as we celebrated our graduating seniors and reflected on an amazing year of growth, learning, and life skills in the community!  We are so proud of everything our students have accomplished, each experience, challenge, and milestone has prepared them for what’s next.
To our seniors, congratulations on your achievements, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! And to all our students and their families, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe summer!
A True Role Model: Carter Bonas Inspires Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students

A True Role Model: Carter Bonas Inspires Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students

Special thanks to Carter Bonas for visiting our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and sharing his powerful story! At just 14 years old, Carter has already made an incredible impact. Diagnosed with Autism at an early age and non-verbal until age 5, he spoke about the challenges he faced growing up and how he discovered his passion for golf and helping others.
Driven by his own experiences with skin sensitivities, Carter launched his own line of golf clothing and went on to author the inspiring book “Swinging Beyond the Spectrum.” Today, he runs Carter’s Spectrum Golf, a nonprofit organization that provides free golf lessons, equipment, and apparel to veterans and children in need who want to learn the sport.
Our students were engaged and asked thoughtful questions as Carter shared his journey of resilience, entrepreneurship, and giving back. Thank you, Carter, for being a true role model and showing what’s possible when you follow your passion!
A Striking End to an Amazing School Year!

A Striking End to an Amazing School Year!

What a way to wrap up the school year! Last week, our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students celebrated in style at @birdbowlmiami filled with strikes, slices of pizza, and arcade fun! The room was full of laughter, smiles, and unforgettable memories. This celebration wasn’t just about fun it was also a chance for our students to grow and shine. They practiced Growth & Empowerment, strengthened Independent Functioning, and showcased amazing Social Skills all while having the time of their lives.

A Delicious Finale to an Incredible School Year!

A Delicious Finale to an Incredible School Year!

Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students wrapped up the school year with a delicious celebration at Japan Inn. From an exciting hibachi show to a tasty lunch shared with friends, it was the perfect way to honor a year full of growth, learning, and success.
Cheers to friendship, achievements, and all the memories made along the way!
Learning Beyond the Classroom in the Nation’s Oldest City!

Learning Beyond the Classroom in the Nation’s Oldest City!

As part of our HDS College Mentors program, students from University of North Florida THRIVE took a trip to St. Augustine in celebration of Autism Awareness Month! Students explored the historic Old Town Trolley on a sensory-friendly tour designed to support diverse...

A Year to Remember and a Future to Celebrate!

A Year to Remember and a Future to Celebrate!

What an incredibly special day with our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as we celebrated our graduating seniors and reflected on an amazing year of growth, learning, and life skills in the community!  We are so proud of everything our students have...

A Striking End to an Amazing School Year!

A Striking End to an Amazing School Year!

What a way to wrap up the school year! Last week, our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students celebrated in style at @birdbowlmiami filled with strikes, slices of pizza, and arcade fun! The room was full of laughter, smiles, and unforgettable memories. This celebration...

A Delicious Finale to an Incredible School Year!

A Delicious Finale to an Incredible School Year!

Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students wrapped up the school year with a delicious celebration at Japan Inn. From an exciting hibachi show to a tasty lunch shared with friends, it was the perfect way to honor a year full of growth, learning, and success. Cheers to...

A Night Full of Sparkle, Smiles, and Celebration!

A Night Full of Sparkle, Smiles, and Celebration!

  This past weekend, our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a magical night at prom! The students had an amazing time celebrating the end of the school year, bonding with friends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We’re so proud of how far...

Class of 2025 You Did It!

Class of 2025 You Did It!

  The countdown is over, and the cap and gown moment has arrived. As you step into the next chapter whether it's college, a new job, or discovering your path know that this is only the beginning of your amazing journey. We're so proud of your hard work,...

Empowering Our Students with Financial Literacy

Empowering Our Students with Financial Literacy

Special thanks to Karena Bland, Manager, and Daniel Guerrero, Senior Banker at Bank of America, for visiting our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program! They shared valuable insights on banking topics including loans, credit cards, and how to manage checking and...

Happy Teacher/Mentor Appreciation Week! 

Happy Teacher/Mentor Appreciation Week! 

We’re sending a huge THANK YOU to our incredible HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and HDS College teachers and mentors this week, who go above and beyond every single day. Their dedication, patience, and passion help shape meaningful futures for our students both in and out of the...

Broward Sheriff’s Office Family Autism Day

Broward Sheriff’s Office Family Autism Day

​ The HDS Foundation was proud to be part of the Broward Sheriff's Office Family Autism Day held today at Cypress Bay High School. We had the pleasure of connecting with families in our community and sharing valuable resources and programs designed to empower...