The Florida Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)
The Florida Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is an annual career and leadership training program that is both educational and motivational. Sponsored annually by The Able Trust, the YLF brings together rising high school juniors and seniors each summer to spend a long weekend in Tallahassee learning about community and academic resources, disability history, career options and personal leadership. They also take part in social activities which enable them to network, learn from each other and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
The YLF is one of three youth programs of The Able Trust that works to reduce the dropout rate of youth with disabilities and improve their participation in employment related activities. These programs focus on building self-esteem, developing personal leadership skills and preparing young adults with disabilities for life beyond high school.
10th Annual Youth Leadership Forum a Big Success!
Thanks to the help of its YLF partners and sponsors, The Able Trust has once again hosted this program. Seventy-five high school juniors and seniors with disabilities partook in an all-expenses-paid experience enhancing their leadership, citizenship, and social skills.
“I used to always use my disability as an excuse for something I couldn’t do. I never tried,” Catherine Rudniski, a rising senior from Pinellas Park High School shared. “Now, I don’t let my disability get to me. I try as many new things as I possibly can.”
“It makes me work harder to prove them wrong in school,” said 2009 delegate Kristina Ball, a rising senior from Father Anglim Academy in Ft. Myers. “I like to show my fellow classmates that we can do anything that any other teen can do.”
This tenth annual Florida YLF was highlighted by a mock session in the House Chamber of the Florida Capitol, where delegates actively participated in the legislative process by debating and voting on an issue. Other events included the annual Career Fair and Mentors’ Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Paul Martinelli, delegate dance and talent show, and a Saturday morning community service project and excursion to Lake Ella.
Sponsors
Sponsored by United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.
