Tampa, FL, 3/26 – Project Focus is excited to announce a new partnership with Aquatech Eco Consultants and Aquaticus Plants, providing hands-on environmental job training experience for students with developmental disabilities at Focus Academy. This program empowers students while contributing directly to seagrass restoration efforts, which are essential for Florida’s marine ecosystems.

Project Focus serves students and young adults with developmental disabilities and aims to equip this population with essential life skills, job training, and opportunities for independence. Through this partnership with Aquatech, students in the Focus Academy Transition Program (18-22-year-olds) will develop and create the plaster weights used in seagrass restoration efforts. These weights will anchor seagrass in underwater ecosystems, helping to clean water, support marine life, and maintain habitats vital to Florida’s unique environment.

The seagrass project takes place on the Focus Academy campus multiple times a week, providing students an accessible and supportive environment in which to develop valuable skills. Over time, the program hopes to expand, offering students off-campus opportunities to support Aquatech’s diverse projects; from seagrass planting, to oyster shell recycling, and mangrove restoration. This progression helps students in their transition to greater independence and prepares them for workforce participation.

“Our students are thrilled to participate in meaningful projects that not only develop their skills but also give back to the place they call home,” said Elisabeth Kraft-Radka, Principal of Focus Academy. “Through this program, they learn teamwork, responsibility, and the value of environmental stewardship—all critical skills for personal growth, and something our students are very proud of.”

Aquatech Eco Consultants and Aquaticus Plants, based in Tampa, have been at the forefront of seagrass restoration and aquaculture throughout Florida. This work is crucial for enhancing water quality, providing habitats, and sustaining marine life, including the iconic manatee. Aquatech’s seagrass restoration efforts involve placing the seagrass in freshwater and saltwater ecosystems where it can grow and flourish. The seagrass not only supports Florida’s marine biodiversity but also plays an important role in the state’s economy, tourism, and recreational activities.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to our community and our companies’ efforts to support Florida’s environment,” said Beau Williams, CEO of Aquatech Eco Consultants. “By working with these incredible students, we’re not only creating a more sustainable environment but also fostering meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for young adults with developmental disabilities.”

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For Media Inquiries, contact: Clayton Clemens Project Focus – Executive Director cclemens@projectfocususa.org (267) 614-1063

About Focus Academy: Focus Academy is a public charter school in Temple Terrace dedicated to serving students with developmental disabilities in middle and high school, as well as a specialized transition program for students aged 18-22. With a unique curriculum that integrates arts-based and mental health therapies, Focus Academy empowers students to develop critical life skills, enhance their independence, and build meaningful social connections. For more information, visit: https://focusacademytampa.org

About Aquatech Eco Consultants: Aquatech Eco Consultants, based in Tampa, is dedicated to restoring Florida’s vital seagrass ecosystems, which play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supporting marine biodiversity. Through sustainable practices and community partnerships, Aquatech is committed to protecting Florida’s natural habitats and fostering educational opportunities that promote environmental stewardship. For more information, visit: https://www.aquatecheco.com

About Aquaticus Plants: Aquaticus Plants specializes in the cultivation of high-quality submerged aquatic vegetation for restoration and conservation projects. Their mission is to provide the healthiest, most resilient plant stock for projects that aim to improve water quality, support wildlife, and restore aquatic ecosystems.

For more information, visit: https://www.aquaticusplants.com

About Project Focus: Project Focus supports education, life skills training, and workforce development to over 160 students and young adults with developmental disabilities across Tampa Bay. Through its programs—including Focus Academy, the Focus Forward Adult Day Training Program, and the Focus Café—the nonprofit empowers students to achieve independence, build social connections, and engage with the broader community.

Looking ahead, Project Focus is actively working toward the creation of a state-of-the-art campus. This inclusive environment will integrate current programs with a workforce training center and supported housing, offering spaces for commercial partners like markets and cafés. The new campus will reduce transportation barriers, providing easier access to essential services and enhancing students’ opportunities for job training and community involvement. For more information, visit: https://www.projectfocusfoundation.org