A Preview of the Young Leadership Forum

YLF participants pose for the camera, all in different poses, including lying on the ground, putting peace signs, or arms up.

The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a multi-day conference for young adults with disabilities, ages 18-30. This year’s YLF will take place from June 26th through June 28th at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. Each YLF participant will explore themes of leadership and leave better prepared for future employment, post-secondary education, and independent living.

Throughout their experience, participants will stay at the Emerson College dorms, hear from renowned keynote speakers, network with professionals, meet new people, build community, and have fun!

Day 1

Participants watch a presentation on a large screen.

Participants arrive Thursday morning, register, check in and meet their roommates before heading off to orientation.  At orientation, participants will select the workshops they want to attend and do some team building activities to get to know one another.  After lunch, YLF officially kicks off with our renowned keynote speaker, Ali Stroker, a Tony Award-winning actress, best known for her role as “Ado Annie” in Roger Hammerstein’s Oklahoma. Ali made history at the 2019 Tony Awards as the first actress with a disability to win the TONY award. She dedicated her award to actors with disabilities. 

After the opening ceremony, participants will partake in workshops, wellness and social activities to close out day 1. 

Day 2

Participants of YLF work on an art projects with paint.

Day 2 kicks off with the YLF Employer Forum!  This year’s career exploration will spotlight exciting opportunities in STEM fields. Participants will hear from industry professionals about current hiring trends, explore key skills for success, and network with career mentors working across science, technology, engineering, and math. 

In the afternoon, participants will dive into Project-Based Learning sessions, where they’ll engage in real-world scenarios and practice essential skills through hands-on, collaborative projects. 

And of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without one of our favorite YLF traditions — the annual YLF Dance Party! Get ready to celebrate, connect, and have fun on the dance floor! 

Day 3

Participants sit in a large hall, smiling at the camera.

On the final day, participants will choose from a series of workshops, enjoy lunch together, and then participate in our closing ceremony. This year’s forum will host 65 young people, who will leave the experience better prepared for future employment, higher education, and independent living.

We look forward to welcoming this year’s participants!