YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (YLA)

BECOME A VOICE

THAT CREATES CHANGE

Do you want to learn about being a leader? If so, the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is for you! YLA is a 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!

At YLA you will learn:

How to become a leader,
How to advocate for you and others,
What you can do, and
What you are capable of.

Build Leadership Skills

Goal Setting
Self-Determination
Civic Engagement
Disability Rights
Networking
Mentoring

Attend With Peers Like You

YLA is for students with disabilities ages 14–21. This session will consist of 8–12 students from Iowa communities. Additional sessions may be added, depending on interest.

Meet the Trainers

Click here to see the video!

QUESTIONS?

Contact: Carlyn Crowe

Phone: (515) 201-8151

Email: ccrowe@dhs.state.ia.us

QUICK LINKS

YLA Application

Right-click, copy, and share the following link with the person who will be recommending you.

Letter of Recommendation

* American Sign Language will be made available. *

SCHEDULE

Virtual Informational Session

Want to learn more about YLA before applying? Attend this session.

Date: WED, May 22

Time: 5:30–6:00 PM

Click here to register.

Virtual YLA Training

Date: MON–FRI, July 29–August 2

Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Apply Below

Graduation Ceremony

Date: SAT, August 10th

In Des Moines with a virtual option.

Family members are invited to this in-person event taking place in Des Moines.

Ceremony will include:

Sharing exercise by each graduate
Family member connection opportunities
Lunch
Optional tour of the Capitol

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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YLA APPLICATION

ABOUT YOU

Applicant Name:

Email: (The one you will use to sign in to YLA.)

Address: (The mailing address where you would like the workbook mailed to.)

Phone:

City, State, Zip:

Birthdate:

High School or College Name:

Grade as of 01/2024:

Why are you interested in attending YLA?

What do you hope to learn?

Tell us about your volunteer work, advocacy, or involvement in school or other community activities.

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Funding may be available to help if you do not have access to a device or internet service.

Do you have access to a computer, tablet , or phone to participate??

Yes

Do you have access to an internet service to participate?

Yes

What accommodations or supports do you need to participate in YLA?

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This section must be filled out by a parent or guardian.

I authorize taking photos and/or recordings of the applicant during YLA sessions. I give full consent to use these images for marketing or any other purposes.

Yes

Parent or Guardian Name(s):

Email:

Phone:

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Additional Information

Applications and Letters of Recommendation are due by June 17, 2024.
Letters of Recommendation are required to be accepted into YLA.
Right-click, copy, and share the following link with the person who will be recommending you. Letter of Recommendation

Letter of Recommendation

Program staff will review applications and interview candidates from June 20-29. Final selections will be made on July 1.
Once participants are selected, a parent and student orientation will be scheduled, (likely mid-July).

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

The student named below is applying to participate in Youth Leadership Academy. This week-long program provides the development of leadership skills. This letter of recommendation may come from teachers, coaches, mentors, employers, school administrators, or others who can speak to the student’s candidacy for the academy.

Parent Guardian

Applicant Name:

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Name of Person Recommending Applicant:

Email:

Organization:

Title:

How long have you known the applicant?

What is your relationship with the applicant?

Why is the applicant a good candidate for the Youth Leadership Program?

Free Text

Additional Information

Applications and Letters of Recommendation are due by June 17, 2024.
Letters of Recommendation are required to be accepted into YLA.
Right-click, copy, and share the following link with the person who will be recommending you. Letter of Recommendation
Program staff will review applications and interview candidates from June 20-29. Final selections will be made on July 1.
Once participants are selected, a parent and student orientation will be scheduled, (likely mid-July).

700 2nd Avenue Suite 101

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

P (800) 452-1936

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $774,176 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.