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.
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
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 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
- Click here to download the 2025 MDYLF Application in English
- Haz clic aquí para descargar la solicitud del MDYLF 2025 en español
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 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,
Will Shawhan’s Career Journey
“Looking back, it’s hard to believe that I succeeded in finding a career and job that are good fits for me.”
Maryland Accessible Telecommunication Program & Maryland Relay: A Journey to Independence
Learn about the variety of services offered by the Maryland Accessible Telecommunication Program and Maryland Relay through one consumer’s journey.
Three Questions with Shannon | Annie Tulkin of Accessible College
Annie Tulkin, Founder and Director of Accessible College, talks about resources for students with disabilities who are transitioning to a college setting.
Congrats to 2021 Rising Star Award Recipient, Montel Medley!
It is with great joy that we present this award in Deborah Jackson’s honor and memory to Montel Medley who carries on her commitment to an independent life.
Focus on Transition Services
Montel went from Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegate to College Graduate! He says he’s made a lot of friends along the way.
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.
