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

History of Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD-YLF)
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
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
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 2021
Wednesday, August 4 to Saturday, August 7, 2021
Virtual Event via Zoom
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
The deadline to apply for MD-YLF 2021 is Friday, March 21, 2021.
Download application and return 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 Damon Walker at dwalker@innow.org or 240-638-0070.
Our Delegates


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Will Shawan doesn’t know how he will change the world, only that he will!
“I am still deciding what I want to do after I graduate, but some causes that interest me include reducing food waste, protecting the Chesapeake Bay, and advocating for more accessible housing spaces.”