The California Youth Leadership Forum 2023 for Students with Disabilities Application

The 2023 YLF will be held virtually and in-person tentatively from July 13 through July 19. The YLF virtual dates will be July 13-15 using the Zoom platform. Delegates will then have one day off and then come to Sacramento on July 17. The YLF will then continue in-person on July 17-19, 2023. The YLF will be held at California State University, Sacramento, where delegates stay in the dormitory for a college experience.

Delegates are required to attend and participate during all scheduled YLF virtual days and in-person days.

Additional virtual post-YLF sessions will be held in the months after the week-long event as scheduled using the Zoom platform. These monthly workshops will focus on topics such as post-secondary education, work experience and careers and self-advocacy.

Delegates will learn advocacy and leadership skills from alumni and professionals with disabilities and create a “Personal & Career Leadership Plan” to help reach their future education, independent living, and career goals.

Delegates interact with state and national leaders with disabilities, which may include celebrities, politicians, entertainers, and other adult role models with disabilities. Participants also make lifelong friendships with other statewide delegates and have mentorship opportunities with alumni.

Please note: YLF planning partners continue to track health trends and safety guidance within California. All participants may be expected to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19, and to test negatively for COVID-19 in the 24 hours before arriving in Sacramento.

NO COST TO DELEGATES

There is no cost for students who are selected to attend. If needed YLF can help acquire and provide the technology needed to attend online sessions, including any related reasonable accommodations. All costs including travel, lodging, meals, or any accommodations such as American Sign Language interpreters, Real-Time text captioners or personal care assistants will be covered for the sessions in Sacramento. Funding for YLF is provided through a public-private partnership.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

California residents with a disability who are high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors during the 2022-2023 school year, ending in June 2023 are eligible to attend.

The most highly qualified applicants are students with disabilities who have demonstrated leadership potential in school and in the community. Students with any types of disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To complete and submit an application and for more information, read the delegate information guide on the delegate information page.

If you have questions or need additional information about the application process, please call the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities at 855-894-3436 or email us at [email protected].