Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) program!

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) program!

 

apply today

 

YLA is a great way to connect with peers with disabilities and learn leadership skills. Spend two hours per day for five days this summer and gain skills for a lifetime! All sessions are virtual and FREE.

Training Dates:
Monday, July 28 - Friday, August 1 from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Application Deadline:
June 16 

 

WHAT WILL STUDENTS LEARN?

The training will focus on how to become a leader, how to advocate for you and others and you will learn what you are capable of!

YLA is also a great opportunity to build leadership skills like these: 

  • Goal Setting
  • Networking
  • Mentoring
  • Self-Determination
  • Disability Rights
  • Advocacy and Civic Engagement

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND?

YLA is for youth and young adults with disabilities ages 14–21.

Sessions consist of 8–12 students from Iowa communities. Additional sessions may be added, depending on interest.

*American Sign Language will be made available.*

 

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE JUNE 16.

For more details and to apply, go to www.iowaddcouncil.org/yla.

If you have any questions, email Carlyn Crowe at carlyn.crowe@hhs.iowa.gov


Logos of organizations sponsoring the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA), including Access 2 Independence, ASK Resource Center, Iowa DD Council, Disability Rights Iowa, and the University of Iowa Health Care Center for Disabilities and Development.