California Youth Leadership Forum For Students With Disabilities (YLF)
The 2024 Delegate Application is now available.
Delegate Applications are due by January 31, 2024.
The 2024 YLF will be held in-person from July 14 through July 20, 2024 at California State University, Sacramento, where delegates stay in the dormitory. Please note: Dates are subject to change.
If selected for the YLF program, delegates are required to attend and participate during all scheduled in-person days.
At the week-long event, delegates will learn the following:
- Advocacy and leadership skills in a peer setting
- Meet with professionals with disabilities
- Meet state policy-makers
- Develop goals through their personal and career leadership plan for their education, independent living and career goals
- Make lifelong friendships and create network 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 delegates who are selected to attend. All costs including travel, lodging, meals, or any accommodations such as American Sign Language interpreters, Real-Time text captioners, and/or personal care assistants will be covered. Funding for the YLF is provided through a public-private partnership.
Disabilities (ACSED), California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), State
Independent Living Council (SILC), Friends Inc., Employment Development Department (EDD), Disability Rights
California (DRC), Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Northrop Grumman, CDE, Molina Healthcare, Elevance
Health and Strapping Store.
WHO CAN ATTEND?
California residents with a disability who are high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors during the 2023-2024 school year, ending in June 2024 are eligible to attend.
Students with any type of disability are encouraged to apply. Students who demonstrate leadership potential in school and in the community are best suited for this program.
APPLY NOW
The 2024 Delegate Application is now available!
For more information, read the 2024 Delegate Information Guide found on the Delegate Information page.
If you have questions or need additional information about the application process, please email us at ylf@dor.ca.gov or call us at 855-894-3436.
YLF VIDEO CLIPS
Watch our awesome promotional video featuring an original rap by a YLF 2023 alumni: California YLF Promotional Video
Find out what past YLF delegates have to say about the YLF: California YLF Delegate Testimonials.
View videos of the week-long activities to see what happens at YLF including post-YLF sessions on our California YLF YouTube channel.
