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Youth Leadership

 Preparing youth with disabilities to lead, learn, and build pathways to careers and independence.

2026

Youth Leadership Forum(YLF)

 The Youth Leadership Forum is a FREE conference for youth and young adults with disabilities held annually in Massachusetts and other states across the country. YLF participants build leadership skills and leave better prepared for future employment, higher education, and independent living. 

PYD is thrilled to offer two sessions of YLF this summer!

1) YLF Boston — June 25th through June 29th at Emerson College
and
2) YLF Central MA — July 26th through July 29th in Worcester, MA at Worcester State University

  • Experience living on a college campus. 
  • Hear from renowned keynote speakers. 
  • Select from a range of workshops on topics such as advocacy, disability pride, post-secondary education, career readiness, and independent living,  
  • Explore careers, network with professionals and gain access to valuable resources. 

 

 

ApplyNow

Participants, based upon age and experience apply to YLF either as a Delegate or Peer Leader.

  • Peer Leaders are Massachusetts young adults with a disability between the ages of 18-21
     
    Peer Leaders assist in planning YLF activities, facilitate small group discussions, and group projects. Peer Leaders will be matched with a small cohort within the dormitory housing to provide mentoring and support to delegates.
    *If selected, Peer Leaders receive a $500 stipend for their work.

    •  

  • Delegates are Massachusetts youth with a disability who are between the ages of 16-21.

Peer Leaders & Delegates

Now accepting applications for YLF Boston and YLF Central MA in Worcester: rolling admissions.

Once your application is reviewed, an interview will be scheduled.

Apply Now

YLF Partners

Want to be a YLF Central MA partner?

Register to attend one of these two virtual meetings to learn more about opportunities to support and participate in YLF Central. We hope to meet you at one of these virtual sessions:

Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 10:00 -11:00 AM EST
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST

Register Now