Youth Leadership Forum

YLF is an intense educational and motivational week held every summer on a university campus. Student will work in small and large groups, create their own personal leadership plans and work to identify resources that  can help them achieve their goals. The MOST FUN EVER activities are included as part of the goal to teach you about leading a well-rounded life.

Our Speakers address topics such as disability rights laws, innovations in technology, community resources, legislative processes, and much more! Delegates meet state and national leaders and will spend time at the state capitol meeting government officials.

YLF is for students with disabilities! 

It is critical students with disabilities identify themselves with pride, as individuals and as members of their community. YLF offers students with common experiences the opportunity to learn from each other in a framework of history and an atmosphere of encouragement.

10th, 11th, and 12th grade students with disabilities are chosen through a statewide competition that looks for students who have leadership potential. Submit your application by March 1!  The application includes an essay and letters of recommendation. Essays can be written or recorded in a video. Applicants will also complete an online interview.  Delegates and Alternates will be selected to attend. Delegates are representative of Oklahoma in terms of geography, gender, economic status, ethnicity, and types of disabilities.

All costs are paid by the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma.  Transportation costs can be reimbursed as requested.

The Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum enables youth with disabilities to grow personally, socially and academically, and to fulfill their potential in their work and lives. Every student should have this opportunity.

To be eligible to attend, a student must complete an application, be an Oklahoma resident in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Complete the online application or download the application below.  Call our office, (405) 521-4984, to request an application be mailed or emailed to you. Applications can be audio, video, written, or a mixture of audio, video, written, as long as all parts of the application are received.  References may be emailed or mailed to the address below. 

• Complete your application online.
• Application to be a Delegate at the Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum

Return your application via US Mail or Email by March 1 to:

Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma
C/O YLF
PO Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9975

If you are interested in serving as a YLF Staff Member (teacher, nursing staff, support staff, and returning alumni), please complete our online application.