Kansas Youth Leadership Forum Seeking High School Students with Disabilities
It’s Time to Recruit… Who do you know that would qualify?
The Kansas Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (KSYLF) is currently searching for motivated young leaders to attend the 17th annual forum held July 10-15, 2017 at Washburn University in Topeka.
The KSYLF is an annual conference that is heading into its 17th year serving students with disabilities across the state. During the forum, delegates enjoy a week full of learning, fun, friends, and, most of all, a new sense of empowerment! Through various large sessions, delegates are able to hear from community leaders on such topics as disability history, advocacy, goal setting, leadership, resources, and much more. Students are also able to share life experiences, goals, and ideas during breakout sessions with small groups. By week’s end, all delegates will have stated their future plans and career goals in their very own Personal Leadership Plan.
Aside from large and small group sessions, students participate in a variety of fun activities as well. A trip to the Capitol is always a highlight of the week. Students are able to tour the Capitol building, as well as participate in a legislative activity in the Senate Chambers. Other activities include a mentor luncheon where delegates are paired with an adult from their area who has a similar career interest, and a talent show where participants are able to share their unique abilities with the group. Other fun activities include a recreation session, real life fair, a barbecue, and a dance, which is always a delegate favorite!
All students who are interested in attending the KSYLF must meet the following criteria:
reside in Kansas.
have a disability as defined with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
be in the 11th or 12th grade as of December 31, 2016. Please note: Students who are in an 18-21 transition program qualify to apply as well.
have demonstrated leadership potential or interest in school and the community.
There will be no cost for students who are selected to attend. All lodging, food, and accommodations are paid for through KSYLF funds. Accommodations such as personal care attendants, sign language interpreters, large print or Braille materials, and other accommodations will be provided for those delegates who need them.
Students must fill out an application that will be reviewed through a competitive selection process. About 20 – 25 delegates will be selected to attend. The delegate application deadline for the 2017 Forum is December 15, 2016.
Delegate applications, as well as other information, can be downloaded from our website atwww.kyea.org/upcomingksylf. The application and fact sheet are also attached.
We also have a poster that you can use to promote this program!! It is attached. Feel free to post up for youth to see, disseminate to your youth, post on social media, etc.
More information can also be obtained by contacting me at 785-215-6655 or [email protected].
Also note: We also have a next step, advanced leadership training program as well! Do you have students who already have strong leadership skills and experience, but want to use those skills to give back to the community? Then, they might be great for our Faces of Change program! This program is open to youth with disabilities, ages 16-25, and focuses on leadership development through civic engagement, as well as how being a person with a disability impacts one’s leadership journey. To learn more about Faces, visit www.kyea.org/facesofchange.
Thanks for your assistance with promoting our leadership programs! We look forward to meeting YOUR youth!
Carrie Greenwood
Program Coordinator
Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA)
517 SW 37th St., Suite B
Topeka, KS 66611
785.215.6655 Phone
785.215.6699 Fax
www.kyea.org