ATTENTION

California High School Juniors & Seniors 

We Invite You to Apply to Attend the
19th Annual
Youth Leadership Forum
for Students with Disabilities

Created by the California Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

APPLY NOW 

1.  What is it? _flyer

• The forum will take place July 24-29, 2010 , in the State Capitol, Sacramento, California.  Student delegates and volunteer staff stay in the dorms at  California State University, Sacramento.   If you have never experienced a university campus before, this is a great opportunity to do so!

Furthermore, there is no cost for you to attend

2. Who can attend? 

This amazing opportunity is only available to:

• California Residents Only
• High School students in the 11^th or 12^th grade with a disability which may include a variety of disabilities from learning, visual, mobility, mental health, developmental, hearing, and neurological impairments.  Some age exceptions may be made.
• Those who have demonstrated leadership potential in school and in the community.

3. How are students selected?

• Finalists will be contacted by telephone to arrange a personal interview.
• YLF Steering committee Partners will conduct the interview, which will take place by April. 
• All selected and non-selected applicants will be notified through mail.
• Approximately 60 students will be chosen to attend.

4. What happens if you are selected to attend YLF?

• Students will be asked to fill out a confirmation form and provide additional information. The YLF staff will then send more detailed information about the Forum’s schedule and activities at the beginning of July.
• All appropriate expenses will be paid by the Youth Leadership Forum.  This includes travel, lodging, food, and accommodations such as sign language interpreters, personal care attendants and alternate formats. 

5. What Happens after you attend YLF

• All alumni of the YLF program are eligible to join the YLF Alumni Association, a group devoted to furthering the leadership skills of future youth with disabilities across California.
• Allumni are strongly encouraged to share what you've learned at YLF with your high school by giving presentations, encouraging other students to apply for future YLFs, and talking to your friends about your YLF experience.
• Overall, YLF will prepare you to be a stronger leader and give back to your community.

6.  Who funds this fantastic opportunity?

• The YLF is produced as a cooperative project that includes the California Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, State Employment Development Department, Department of Rehabilitation, Department of Education, State Independent Living Council, CalSTAT and California Health Incentives Improvement Project/San Diego State University California Institute on Human Services, California Workforce Investment Board, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, California Youth Leadership Forum Alumni, and Friends of Californians with Disabilities, Inc.

7.  How do you apply?

• Download and complete the application and instructions.
• Applications must be typewritten
• Sign the Application
• Submit letters of recommendation with completed application by mail no later than February 17, 2010 Send your completed application and letters of recommendations to:

Youth Leadership Forum
Dani Anderson
Department of Rehabilitation
721 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, California 95814

8. Who do you contact for further information or questions?
Contact us 866-296-9753 (toll free) or call 916-558-5407(v) 916-558-5403(tty/tdd)