Young Adults – Next Chapter
Are you a youth with a disability between 16-30 years old and passionate about building leadership skills? Don’t miss out on the “Lead On” Leadership Program and Scholarship to attend the annual APRIL Youth Conference this October 2025!
Lead On is a leadership program sponsored by the Ford Foundation where up to 20 youth with disabilities 16-30 years old enroll in a 6-week zoom workshop camp. In the 6 weeks, we will learn and talk about important topics regarding disability, advocacy, and being a leader. The topics will be discussed by other youth with disabilities. There will also be mentor/mentee opportunities, so youth can learn from multiple people and form stronger bonds.
After these 6 weeks, participants will be able to go in person to the APRIL Conference in Portland, Oregon in October 17-19th, where you will meet people with disabilities both youth and adults of all ages, and have the opportunity to have wider discussions about disability, advocacy, and form in person bonds, friendships, and networks. Here’s how it works:
- 6-week Virtual Workshop (pre-conference)
- Getting things together during the summer for the in person conference
- Attendance at the in-person APRIL Youth Conference in October 2025 in Portland, Oregon
Eligibility – to participate, you must:
- Be 16-30 years old
- Have any disability
- Be new to the Lead On Conference
- Living in the mid-west and rural is very preferable
- Be a member of an Independent Living Center (CIL) or other Disability Organization
Your hotel and conference registration will be covered. You are responsible for coordinating travel (airfare, meals, transportation, etc.) with your local Independent Living Center (CIL).
You can apply here.