STEEL Program is a Certificate program offered by Ridge Technical College in Winter Haven, FL. The program takes Two years to complete, with a total tuition of $0. The school publishes the STEEL Program as "Fully Grant/Scholarship Funded"; no tuition figure is published.
Program Overview
STEEL Program. The Specific Training Empowering Exceptional Learners (STEEL) Program at Ridge Technical College is a two-year comprehensive postsecondary initiative approved by the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA) as a Florida Post-Secondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP). STEEL focuses on real-world skills through a culinary and hospitality curriculum.
Students receive hands-on training in all aspects of the food service industry, including food preparation, recipe development, the use of commercial equipment, and food service operations. The program also emphasizes soft skills such as communication, leadership, workplace safety, and critical thinking — ensuring students are ready for both employment and independent living.
What sets this Program apart
Inclusive learning model. As part of the STEEL Program, students take culinary and hospitality classes in a professional kitchen classroom, referred to as a studio, using an inclusive learning model. These classes are taught by Ridge Technical College instructors and supported by the STEEL Program teacher to ensure each student receives the guidance they need to succeed.
Life & career skills. Students also develop essential life and job-readiness skills, including budgeting and financial literacy, housing and transportation planning, self-advocacy and self-determination, and interpersonal and workplace soft skills. Each student completes the processes to receive services and support from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), a state agency that provides ongoing employment assistance for individuals with disabilities.
Internship program. In addition to taking classes, students will participate in unpaid internships in the culinary or hospitality field. Placements are determined by student interests, as identified through interviews, career interest inventories, and assessments. Supported by the STEEL Program and Vocational Rehabilitation staff, these experiences are designed to build confidence, work readiness, and real-world job skills both on and off campus, leading to paid employment for the student upon completion.
Admission Requirements and Process
Eligibility. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older; have graduated from high school (provide copy of high school transcripts/copy of high school diploma); provide documentation of an intellectual disability (psychological evaluation); demonstrate independence and decision-making ability; and commit to regular attendance and active participation.
Admission decision. Admission is based on multiple criteria and an application process that includes the completion of an in-depth questionnaire and an in-person interview. Applicants will receive a follow-up notification of the admission decision.
General Requirements
- AgeBe 18 years or older.
- High school graduateGraduated from high school: provide a copy of high school transcripts or a copy of the high school diploma.
- Documentation of an intellectual disabilityProvide documentation of an intellectual disability (psychological evaluation).
- IndependenceDemonstrate independence and decision-making ability.
- AttendanceCommit to regular attendance and active participation.
- Questionnaire and interviewComplete an in-depth questionnaire and an in-person interview as part of the application process.
Application Process
- 1Complete the in-depth questionnaireAdmission is based on multiple criteria and an application process that includes the completion of an in-depth questionnaire.
- 2Attend an in-person interviewThe application process includes an in-person interview.
- 3Receive the admission decisionApplicants will receive a follow-up notification of the admission decision.
- 4Vocational Rehabilitation servicesEach student completes the processes to receive services and support from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), a state agency that provides ongoing employment assistance for individuals with disabilities.
- 5Ask about the STEEL ProgramUse Request Information to ask about the STEEL Program.
Program Schedule
Class times at Ridge Technical College, 7700 State Road 544, Winter Haven, FL.
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Program length. The STEEL Program is a two-year comprehensive postsecondary initiative.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Ridge Technical College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
All programs offered at the college are approved by the Florida Department of Education and most are approved by the Bureau of State Approving for Veterans’ Training, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Education.
Approved by the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA) as a Florida Post-Secondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP).
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost. Fully Grant/Scholarship Funded Program.
Financial aid. Financial aid is available for all students who qualify and enroll in an approved technical college education training program. The financial aid offered at the college consists of Title IV Federal Pell Grant, Florida Student Assistance Grant, Florida Work Experience Program, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, Student Financial Aid Fund, private scholarships, and assistance. Nearly 90% of our students qualify for some form of financial aid. Ridge Technical College’s Federal School Code is 015780.
Open Door Grant. The Open Door Grant is available at Ridge and Traviss Technical College for short-term and technical education credentialing courses: the student is responsible for the first one-third of the tuition at the time of enrollment, and the Open Door Scholarship Program pays the remaining two-thirds if the student successfully completes the course and provides the results of their industry certification.
Curriculum
Students learn:
- How to safely prepare and cook food
- How to operate commercial kitchen equipment
- Basic nutrition and menu planning
- Restaurant operations and customer service
- Leadership and teamwork in a kitchen setting
These hands-on courses help students build confidence, strengthen job skills, and prepare for meaningful employment in the food service industry.
Career Outcomes
Career outlook. Students who graduate from the STEEL Program will earn the STEEL Certificate of Completion, obtain industry-recognized credentials in culinary arts and soft skills, and participate in Ridge Technical College’s program completion ceremony. The internships are designed to lead to paid employment for the student upon completion.
Licensure and certification. During the program, students can earn their ServSafe Food Handler Certification and the ServSafe Manager Certification from the National Restaurant Association. In addition, students can become First Aid/CPR certified through the American Red Cross and earn the Florida Ready to Work Soft Skills Credential, issued by the State of Florida and signed by the Governor.
What to expect as a Ridge Technical College student
Director’s welcome. For nearly five decades, we’ve empowered our community through more than 20 cutting-edge technical programs, strong corporate and industry partnerships, and unique continuing-education opportunities. Each of our programs is built on state-aligned frameworks and industry standards, ensuring that graduates leave fully equipped to earn professional certifications or licenses that employers value.
Instructors. Behind every course stands a team of certified instructors who are not only specialists in their fields but also bring years of real-world experience and deep connections with local businesses.
Mission and vision. Ridge Technical College will assess, prepare, and place individuals in successful and rewarding careers in an increasingly competitive and changing employment market. Ridge Technical College will be Polk County’s premier workforce training institution.
Your own pace. Programs are designed to accommodate your needs by allowing entrance at various times, working at your own pace, and exiting when training and specific job skills are completed. Counseling, career assessment and job placement are also provided.
Career counseling and job placement. The counselors, instructors, social workers, and staff in the Student Services Department are available to assist you with program information and career counseling. Ridge offers job placement assistance to both high school and adult students. Assistance is also offered through CareerSource Polk, Occupational Advisory Committees and the School Advisory Council.
Student organizations. To enrich your career education training program, you are encouraged to join the appropriate student organization which applies to your program area: the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) and SkillsUSA.
Videos
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