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Extended Application Deadline for Youth Leadership Forum 2003

The Able Trust has extended the deadline to accept applications for the Florida Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) from students with disabilities in LEON, ORANGE, PALM BEACH, ESCAMBIA/SANTA ROSA and VOLUSIA COUNTIES. Fifty current Florida high school sophomores and juniors who have disabilities will be selected as delegates for the forum. The YLF, which is co-sponsored by The Able Trust and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, is designed to bring together young people with disabilities with leadership potential and help prepare them for the future. The YLF will take place July 24-27, 2003, in Tallahassee.

The YLF will include educational programs that cover topics such as the history of the disability movement, personal leadership plans, career opportunities, and academic and community resources. Delegates will learn leadership by example through meetings with disability community leaders, business professionals and government dignitaries. In addition, social and recreational opportunities will enable delegates to network and learn from each other.

Student delegates will reflect a diverse mix of disabilities, gender, geographic location, and ethnicity. Applicants should demonstrate leadership skills, participation in extracurricular activities, community involvement, and academic achievement. Applicants should have the ability to interact effectively with other students, adapt to new surroundings, follow an intense schedule of forum activities, and demonstrate a willingness to participate in small and large group discussions. Selected student delegates must show proof of health insurance (private insurance, KidsCare, Medicaid acceptable).

Delegates will be housed at Southgate, a private dormitory between Florida State University and Florida A & M University. There is no fee for delegates to attend the YLF. The Able Trust will pay all travel and living/meal expenses through corporate sponsorships and donations.

The extended deadline for students from LEON, ORANGE, PALM BEACH, ESCAMBIA/SANTA ROSA and VOLUSIA COUNTIES to submit an application is January 31, 2003. Download an application for YLF 2003.