FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 12, 2009)
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
Applications Open for Summer 2009 Texas Youth Leadership Forum; Deadline is April 17
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 20 through July 24 on the campus of St. Edward’s University in Austin. Texas youth with disabilities who are high school juniors or seniors for the 2009–10 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 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 txylf.tamu.edu. Applications must be fully completed and postmarked by April 17, 2009 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. The Center on Disability and Development 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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