Texas A&M to Host Summer Training Event for Youth with Disabilities; Application Deadline March 30

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – Texas A&M University will host this year’s Texas Statewide Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) July 23 through July 27 on the campus of St. Edward’s University in Austin. Youth with disabilities who reside in Texas and are entering high school juniors or seniors for the 2007–08 school year are encouraged to apply for one of 30 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, the governor and to 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.

The online application can be accessed at http://txylf.tamu.edu. Applications must be fully completed and postmarked by March 30 for consideration.

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 University is working in partnership with the Council for Developmental Disabilities and The Division for Rehabilitation Services to promote YLF in Texas.

For more information, contact Cheryl Grenwelge, YLF coordinator, at 979-458-1593 or cgrenwelge@tamu.edu.

###