Youth Leadership Forum
Leadership Training for Students with Disabilities
The South Carolina Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) for students with disabilities is an annual career leadership program for high school juniors and seniors (or high school students between the ages of 17-21) who have leadership potential in both their school and community.
Goals • 2010 Application • Partners • Contact Us
Goals
Students selected each summer to attend the YLF learn about disability history, community and academic resources, career options and resources that can help them face challenges that arise in becoming participating members of their communities. By serving as delegates, students enhance and grow their leadership, citizenship, and social skills. They take part in activities enabling them to network, learn from each other and build lasting friendships.
The YLF, along with High School/High Tech (HS/HT), is a program working to improve the participation of youth with disabilities in employment related activities. YLF focuses on building self-esteem, developing personal leadership skills and preparing young adults with disabilities for life beyond high school.
What happens at the YLF?
Youth with disabilities will share their experiences with each other and learn about various topics:
- What is Leadership?
- Technology and Resources to Meet My Goals
- Living on My Own
- Reaching My Career Goals
- Life After High School
- Preparing For College
- Leading in the Community and Career through lunch with local businesses
Apply for the 2010 Youth Leadership Forum
UPDATED 12-8-2009
The 2010 SC Youth Leadership Forum will be held July 14–16, 2010.
The location for the 2010 YLF is still to be determined, but past YLFs were held at Midlands Technical College, Newberry College and the University of South Carolina.
*** Deadline for entries is May 1, 2010 ***
Who can apply to attend the YLF?
To be eligible for the SC YLF, students must:
- Have a disability and live in South Carolina
- Be in the 11th or 12th grade (or between ages 17-21) as of December 31, 2009
- Have leadership potential in school and the community
- Be in good academic standing
Does it cost anything?
There is no cost to delegates who attend the YLF.
How do I apply?
Download and print the application and reference forms, fill them out and mail to:
South Carolina Youth Leadership Forum
c/o Shannon Lindsay
1410 Boston Ave., P.O. Box 15
West Columbia, SC 29171-0015
Get the application and reference forms (requires Adobe Reader).
What’s the selection process?
Approximately 35 delegates will be selected to attend the YLF. Delegates selected to attend will be notified no later than TBA. Additional information on the forum will be provided to those selected to attend.
After being selected delegates must fill out and return a confirmation form.
Partners
The SC Youth Leadership Forum is implemented by state and local partners, including DHEC, SCVRD, Developmental Disabilities Council, Department of Education, Continuum of Care, South Carolina Assistive Technology Program; (SCATP), Pro-Parents, and the Center for Disability Resources at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
For More Information, Contact
Youth Leadership Forum
c/o SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department
1410 Boston Ave., P.O. Box 15
West Columbia, SC 29171-0015
(803) 896-6574 • Email us