FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (December 2007–updated March 2008)
Contact: Cheryl Grenwelge, YLF Coordinator, 979-458-1593 or cgrenwelge@tamu.edu, or Kelsey Johnson, Communications Specialist, 979-862-4990 or kelsey_johnson@tamu.edu
Texas A&M to Host Summer Training Event for Youth with Disabilities; Application Deadline Extended to March 28
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – The Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University will host this year’s Texas Statewide Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) July 21 through July 25, 2008 on the campus of St. Edward’s University in Austin. Texas youth with disabilities who are high school juniors or seniors for the 2008–09 school year are encouraged to apply for one of 31 all-expense paid delegate openings.
YLF’s goal is to develop youth into leaders who advocate for persons with disabilities and influence policy development. The week’s activities will include a one-day tour of the Capitol with opportunities to meet state legislators and hold mock legislative sessions. Training topics will include leadership skills, self-determination, self-advocacy, disability history, laws and movement, legislative process and issues dealing with college preparation, employment preparation and community involvement.
Student delegate applications can be accessed online at http://txylf.tamu.edu. Applications must be fully completed and postmarked by March 28, 2008 for consideration. Volunteer, presenter and mentor/facilitator applications are also available online.
YLF, which began in California in 1992, is currently active in 38 states. The primary purpose of YLF is to teach young people with disabilities to become leaders and advocates for the disability community. Texas A&M is working in partnership with the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities ($250,000 for three years) and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services ($75,000 for three years).
For more information, contact Cheryl Grenwelge, YLF coordinator, at 979-458-1593 or cgrenwelge@tamu.edu.
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