Empowering the Disability Community since 1979
Empowering the next generation of disabled leaders.
The Youth Leadership Summit is a free six-day, five-night program for young people with disabilities, ages 14 to 24, held at Cal State Los Angeles. You will spend a week on campus with other disabled youth, build friendships, and learn leadership skills you can use in school, your community, and your future career.
At the Summit, you will learn what leadership looks like as a disabled person. You will hear from disabled leaders who speak up, create change, and show up proudly in their work and everyday lives. You will build confidence, practice using your voice, and learn how to make an impact in ways that matter to you.
If you want to see more disabled people in leadership and want to be one of them, this is where it begins.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open to students with disabilities who:
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Are between the ages of 14 and 24
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Live in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, or Orange County
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Have an interest in leadership and community involvement. Previous leadership experience is helpful but not required
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Are able to participate safely in a group setting and do not display physically aggressive behaviors
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Can manage their personal care needs independently
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Are able to fully participate in the program from July 26 to July 31
Please note: If you are enrolled in summer high school or college courses from July 26 to July 31, this may interfere with participation in the Youth Leadership Summit. We encourage students to prioritize their academic responsibilities.
This Experience is 100% Free
If selected, participants must attend and participate in all scheduled days.
What to Expect
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Connection with peers and mentors who share lived disability experiences
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Support from trained staff and peer mentors who are former YLS participants
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Opportunities to build independence in a safe and structured setting
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Hands on learning focused on leadership, self advocacy, and life skills
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Exposure to college life, accommodations, and campus resources
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Career exploration and future planning activities
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Workshops led by disabled professionals and community leaders
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Social and recreational activities that encourage confidence and belonging
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A positive environment that promotes disability pride and self acceptance
What Selected Participants Receive
Selected participants will receive:
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Full room and board at Cal State L.A. dorms
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All meals provided (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
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All program materials and supplies
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Reasonable accommodations
"I learned a lot about my place as a disabled student. The past week made me feel seen and heard."
Alexander P.
Ready to Apply to the Youth Leadership Summit?
Submitting the interest form is the first step in the Youth Leadership Summit application process. It lets us know you are interested and helps us share the next steps.
How the Application Process Works
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Submit the online interest form
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Selected applicants will be invited to participate in an interview
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Eligible students will be emailed a full application
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Students will be notified if they are accepted into the program
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Accepted students will receive additional details and next steps about YLS
Interest form deadline April 30th at 12pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions?
Parent and Guardian Information Meetings:
We plan on hosting one Zoom information meeting each month for parents and guardians who want to learn more about the Youth Leadership Summit. These sessions are available to prospective students and their families. This is your chance to hear about the program, ask questions, and understand what to expect if you/your youth is selected. Sessions are held on Zoom. You can click below to sign up.
