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APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

2025 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum
June 26 to June 28 at Towson University

Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegates build leadership skills and prepare for future employment, higher education, and independent living.

logo for Maryland Youth Leadership Forum. Stick figure in a wheelchair holding up a capitol building.

History of the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum

The Youth Leadership Forum was initiated in 1992 by the California Governor's Committee on the Employment of Disabled Persons. This popular program spread across the country and is now conducted annually in more than 33 states. Maryland held its first Youth Leadership Forum (MD-YLF) in August 2000.

MD-YLF Curriculum

Find your unique strengths and develop skills to be a leader in your community

Encourage civic engagement through learning about the legislative process and how to change problems in your community.

Develop communication skills through social activities, role play and discussion.

Learn about Disability Culture and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Play games around the history of disability and explore technology and adaptations for people with disabilities.

Play games around the history of disability and explore technology and adaptations for people with disabilities

Experience "college life" through a stay at one of Maryland's universities.

Meet professionals with a wide range of careers in Maryland who have disabilities.

Discuss independent living and future plans with peers and facilitators to develop goals and paths to success.

Maryland Youth Leadership Forum 2025

June 26 to 28, 2025 at Towson University

Open to Maryland residents with ANY type of disability in their last two years of high school or graduating in the spring of 2025.

Selection Criteria

  • Must be in their final two years of high school.
  • Applicant accomplishments and leadership potential
  • Academic achievement
  • Community service
  • Participation in school and community activities
  • Disability diversity
  • Ethnic and racial diversity
  • Geographic representation

Applicants will be called to participate in a regional interview after submitting their application form.

Application

Complete application and mail to:

YLF, c/o Independence Now, Inc.
12301 Old Columbia Pike, Suite 101
Silver Spring, MD 20904

If you would like to receive email updates about YLF, contact Danielle Bustos at dbustos@innow.org or 240-898-2189.

Our Delegates

College Bound

Read stories from past YLF Delegates and Independence Now Consumers on their College Experience

A group of high school students and adults form a circle under a large green canopy during an outdoor kickoff event for the 2025 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum. The setting is casual and interactive, with participants engaged in group activities.

A Strong Start for the 2025 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum

If last Saturday was any indication, Independence Now’s 2025 Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is on track to be one of our best yet! Under a bright, sunny sky at the University of Maryland, high school students from across the state—along with their families—gathered for an exciting kickoff event. The day was filled with energy, connection,

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This Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council project is supported by the Administration for Community Living as part of a total award of $1,265,982 dollars.

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council. Creating Change. Improving Lives.

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